Second Chances

Aug 25, 2012 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, erotica, explicit, favorites, first-love-crush, highly-emotional, hot-and-heavy, lead-character-bad-boy, lead-character-law-enforcement, lead-character-player, more-than-one-lover, ultimate-book-boyfriend, cheaters

4.5 Stars

“Fate has a funny way of kicking you in the butt.” ~ Rori Simon

**Deep Breath** Okay. This was not what I expected. This was not predicable. This was not your typical contemporary/erotic romance. This story turned out to be more than I bargained for. It broke a lot of rules. Though I questioned its direction, it did weave one hell of a story.

This story had three main characters: Rori, Jude & Zach. Umm, yeah, no. This was not that type of romance either (lol). Rori has just returned...more
4.5 Stars

“Fate has a funny way of kicking you in the butt.” ~ Rori Simon

**Deep Breath** Okay. This was not what I expected. This was not predicable. This was not your typical contemporary/erotic romance. This story turned out to be more than I bargained for. It broke a lot of rules. Though I questioned its direction, it did weave one hell of a story.

This story had three main characters: Rori, Jude & Zach. Umm, yeah, no. This was not that type of romance either (lol). Rori has just returned home to Oakley, TN. People knew Rori as shy, overweight, and insecure when she left Oakley. Though she came back to Oakley as a well travel, well educated, confident, beautiful woman, she’s also recovering from a disastrous break-up from her cheating ex-boyfriend.

Jude has always been Rori’s fantasy. They’ve been long time friends, even during her awkward, shy faze. Jude notices the change in Rori and is all about “getting to know her again.” However, Rori knows all about Jude and his not-so-pristine reputation. Jude is well known as a ladies’ man, as well as a not-so-well-known Dom. Jude is definitely commitment phobic to the nth degree. Apparently, Rori is okay with that and is still willing to give Jude a shot. It’s more about using lust to lure him in. Plus, she’s all about playing the field as well, so who is she to judge. Their chemistry is hot and Jude is starting to feel more toward her, which he isn’t ready to admit and give up his ways. So what does he do?

He’d taken something that could have been really special, that was really special, and he’d ruined it because he’d been scared, because he couldn’t let go of a chance to stroke his ego and get laid.

Rori is fed up with his antics and breaks off their arrangement, much to his dismay. Immediately after their “break-up,” Rori meets Zach, another not-so-well-known Dom.

Zach is pretty much Jude’s opposite. He doesn’t play games, and goes for what he wants. He immediately sees Rori as an ideal submissive and is instantly smitten. Rori doesn’t stand a chance. He and Rori hit it off in a big way. He’s sweet, funny, charming and treats Rori like a queen. They’re relationship takes off and Jude is left in the background. He sees Rori around Zach and knows what his stupidity lost him. Has he lost her forever?

I really didn’t know where the story was headed, but now that I look back on it, I guess the events towards the end were inevitable. I just wasn’t prepared for it and it did kick me in the butt. I was heartbroken and felt that it was a little unfair, but then again, it turned around and still gave you a good ending. I don’t know. I still have mixed feelings about it, but it is what is and I guess I have to accept it. However, it was very entertaining, highly emotional and highly steamy story. I really enjoyed it. (less)

11 likes · like · see review

Dec 01, 2010 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance, 2010-read-in, zz-reviewed, sub-genre-sugar-kink, i-love-this-old

I almost put off reading this book because I have just read 2 others in a series by her and they were good, but started to feel very similar. This book was very different from there other seven or so I have ready by Dane. I loved it! It's going on the favorites shelf.

I loved that it wasn't totally predictable and there were a few twists and turns that made it a "page turner" for me. I cant wait to continue the story in Believe. I am just sad that it is a short story.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Noo ...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 03, 2010 Michelle Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read

Can I just say how awesome Lauren Dane is! Nobody does sexy erotica with such an awesome story line like her.

Second Chances had it all. Hearbreak, love, steamy erotica (OMG HOT!!), relationships problems, cheating, marriage, more love (so much love!!), jealousy oh and such sadness, OMG the tears that I cried. All of this wrapped up in one package that I couldn't put down.

The only reason I am not giving perfect stars is I wish the ending played out a bit longer. It seemed like an amazing journe...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 Elizabeth (Liz) - Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-read, ebook-gift-read, 5-star-reads, contemporary-romance-read, from-kp-read, erotica-romantica-read, favorites

Uh, wow. So much for thinking in the beginning that this was a simple and straightforward contemporary romance. This was an emotional and sexual roller coaster.......and a fantastic monster of one at that! Well, done, Lauren Dane! Well done!

A big thank you to Karla for suggesting I read this. She was right....as usual;-)

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2010 Teryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: rating-x, read-in-2010, romance-contemporary

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Nov 29, 2012 Erica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, erotica, owned-ebook, favorites, fsog-lovers, all-night-read, four-and-five-star-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow. Just...wow. I think this has got to be the most beautiful and touching BDSM story that I have ever read. I never thought I would ever string those words together in one sentence, as much as I enjoying reading BDSM. No St. Andrew's cross. No counting off the smacks. No delayed orgasms. No "Why can't you do what you are told?" screaming from the male. No "Master/Sub" or "Sir" repetitiveness in the bedroom. Stop reading now as the rest of this review has spoilers unless you are okay with readi...more Wow. Just...wow. I think this has got to be the most beautiful and touching BDSM story that I have ever read. I never thought I would ever string those words together in one sentence, as much as I enjoying reading BDSM. No St. Andrew's cross. No counting off the smacks. No delayed orgasms. No "Why can't you do what you are told?" screaming from the male. No "Master/Sub" or "Sir" repetitiveness in the bedroom. Stop reading now as the rest of this review has spoilers unless you are okay with reading about them.

First of all, Rori is awesome. What confidence. What attitude! She really didn't take any shit from ANYONE in her life once she came back to Oakley. Totally independent, comfortable with herself and her sexuality, and very "once it's done, it's done". I really applauded her for that. She's the best female character I've read about in a long time. And she recognized the submissive in herself immediately when she was with Jude...as quickly as he did. And she embraced it. And she never wavered in her love or commitment to Zach. Ever. Not even after he died.

Zach...*sigh* What an amazing Dom, friend, lover and husband, and not in that order. He recognized the treasure that he had in Rori from minute ONE and didn't waste a single second letting her know it. And when he messed up, he immediately admitted that he messed up and didn't try to argue that he didn't. Nipple piercing, trip to the Aegean, possessiveness...Rori couldn't stay mad at him for long.

Jude. Jude. Jude. What an asshole and dickhead. And...what a treasure he turned out to be by the end of the book. But MAN, if I had been her that night of "the fight", I swear I would have kicked him right in the family jewels. But he really grew up by the end of the book and bided his time...and they waited a year.

Surprisingly, I did not cry at this book, but I think it's because I saw Zach's death coming. Granted, a friend did warn me that something unexpected would happen in the book, so I was prepared, but it just had a The Reluctant Dom vibe to it...without the reluctance. Everything on the trip to the Aegean just seemed too perfect, too beautiful, and as soon as they mentioned the weird guy that was on the boat, I was like, "yup, it's all over". I actually halfway expected something to happen on the way to Hawaii...like she and her family are there preparing for the wedding and get news that Zach's ship went down in a storm or something. It just had that foreshadowing someone without being obvious.

There were a few choppy areas that didn't really flow with the book for me that were awkward, such as Ryan and Rori dating in the beginning, but nothing that detracted from the book. The character development, especially with Rori, her sister and her mother, was solid. The writing was good and segued well from scene to scene and as time passed by without dwelling too much on any one period of time but not seeming like it just lingered either (ie, Rori and Zach didn't just get married overnight).

What can I say more? I really, really loved this story. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 21, 2012 Crystal Spears rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star-reads, books-i-own-ebook

WOWZA!!!

I haven't been hit this hard since reading BD!

Rori is an amazing women she once was shy and over weight. She leaves home but ten years later returns and is immediately swamped with hot gorgeous men. She knows who she is now and she isn't the shy chubby girl with glasses anymore.

Jude was her crush growing up he's a womanizer and player. She sets her sights on him. She quickly plays his own game against him. There both dating one another but still dating others at the same time. He screws...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 19, 2012 KatiD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

Rori Simon is back in Oakley. When she left town, she was over weight and painfully shy. But six years away from her criticizing mother and deep fried food has made a tremendous difference in Rori's personality and looks. She's back, and a best selling author who is very comfortable in her own skin. Granted she's partially back because of a dirtbag cheating boyfriend left in Paris. but nonetheless, she's back.

When she returns, she is quickly reacquainted with Jude Callahan, town bad boy and head...more Rori Simon is back in Oakley. When she left town, she was over weight and painfully shy. But six years away from her criticizing mother and deep fried food has made a tremendous difference in Rori's personality and looks. She's back, and a best selling author who is very comfortable in her own skin. Granted she's partially back because of a dirtbag cheating boyfriend left in Paris. but nonetheless, she's back.

When she returns, she is quickly reacquainted with Jude Callahan, town bad boy and headliner in almost all of Rori's childhood fantasies. Needless to say, Jude is blown away by Rori's looks and her clear confidence in herself. Blown away, and completely turned on. That being said, Jude is, in no way shape or form, a one woman guy. And although he's very attracted to Rori, he doesn't want to be hemmed in. At first Rori is fine with it, but as things progress with Jude, she begins to realize that maybe she's not cut out to have a casual relationship with him. When she walks away from Jude, he doesn't handle it well, and acts like an ass.

Enter Zach Helm. The younger brother of one of Rori's childhood friends, Zach is on the same wave length with Rori. Not only is he extremely attracted, but he's a one woman kind of guy. And the chemistry between Rori and him is everything he's ever wanted. Plus, if his suspicions are correct, Rori is the perfect submissive. In no time, he and Rori have begun a serious, committed relationship - one that completely fulfills both of them.

To say more about the story would be to ruin it.

Apparently, this is a novel that Lauren Dane wrote early in her career and overhauled for Carina Press. And in some instances, it does read as an early novel. It has a lot going on in it, and I felt like some aspects of it were underserviced because of it. Mostly the D/s stuff. On Rori and Zach's very first encounter, they engage in some pretty advanced D/s activities, mostly where Zach keeps asking her to trust him. Now, I get that there is a level of trust to most sexual encounters, but I didn't feel that the author had built enough of a foundation between the two of them for this level of D/s engagement. I just didn't buy that Rori would already have that level of trust for Zach. Also, Jude disappears for a long period of time while the foundation for Rori and Zach's relationship is built. Both of which are mild complaints about an overall entertaining and fun read. I found Second Chances to be an engaging and easy read, and am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Dane.

Final grade: B-(less)

like · see review

Apr 18, 2011 Darcy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, e-book, erotica

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really loved this book. Right from the start I liked Rori, she was smart, sassy, and knew what she wanted. Her going after Jude was fun at first. She knew what he was like and really thought if she gave him a taste of his own medicine he was see just how great she was. Unfortunately he was an ass of gigantic proportions. I actually was squealing with glee when she told him off and then again when she found such happiness with Zack. I loved that Jude was so miserable, that everyone was telling...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 09, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, bdsm, kindle-non-lendable, re-readables, romance-erotica

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I am not usually into the BDSM books, but it was a great read, and the BDSM wasn't a major part of the story. I couldn't put the book down, and I absolutely could not stop bawling when Zach died. I am kind of surprised at how quickly Rori fell back in love with Jude although I guess it only seemed shorter than it was because the book kind of glances over the 6-8 months after Zach's death.

I love that Rori was strong enough to stand up to her mother and Jude. I was afraid after the first two time...more

like · see review

Jan 31, 2011 Marisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, contemporary-romance

Lauren Dane’s book Second Chances is about discovering what’s really important by being fully honest with yourself. This was an emotional book that explores acceptance, love, tragedy, and reconciliation. Ms. Dane packs a lot into this book, it has many facets and they coalesce into tragedy and eventually triumph.

Rori Simon was once a young girl with no self-esteem but grows up to become a confident woman returning to her home town with her eye on the one man she’s always wanted, Jude Callahan....more Lauren Dane’s book Second Chances is about discovering what’s really important by being fully honest with yourself. This was an emotional book that explores acceptance, love, tragedy, and reconciliation. Ms. Dane packs a lot into this book, it has many facets and they coalesce into tragedy and eventually triumph.

Rori Simon was once a young girl with no self-esteem but grows up to become a confident woman returning to her home town with her eye on the one man she’s always wanted, Jude Callahan. Now you would think that this book would be about how Jude and Rori finally get together, and in many ways it is. Yet, what happens in between their journey towards a happily ever after is complex and unexpected. Being in love with someone isn’t always enough; you also have to have the same goals and work towards them as a team. When one person in a relationship wants something the other can’t give it’s always heartbreaking. And when Rori wants a commitment from Jude, something he’s just not able to give, then it’s time for her to move on.

I admired Rori for her strength and her ability to know when to walk away. To have enough self esteem to leave a relationship where she couldn’t get what she needed. But there are plenty of second chances in this book and when Rori meets Zach Helm her life can begin again. It’s only when Rori finds Zach that Jude begins to realize that he’s thrown away his chance at something special. As Joni Mitchell once wrote, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”

With Zach, Rori finds a love that allows her to explore her sexuality and the vibrancy of her being. Ms. Dane gives us a romantic, mature and sexual relationship between these two that is poignant, sensual and loving. What Ms. Dane also gives us is tragedy but she does it in a way that is emotional and not manipulative.

In Second Chances we see a woman who has overcome an adolescence that was painful, to eventually triumph and become a successful woman who has a career, friends and love. When she experiences unimaginable tragedy is when she realizes that second chances do come along.
This book is an erotic romance, but it’s also much more. Ms. Dane explores several themes in this book which made it an extremely emotional read for me. She handles the themes of exploring sexuality, the loss of love and taking risks with sensitivity, understanding and compassion.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2011 Ailsa rated it 3 of 5 stars

My thoughts: I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I really liked it at first, but somewhere in the middle... it just didn't do it for me.

The book starts off well - we're introduced to Rori as she arrives back home after a very long time away. I found Rori to be immediately likeable, and her relationship with her sister and sister's family at their reunion was very believable. I think one thing that helped me like Rori is the way that she used to be a very awkward teenager, and then lef...more My thoughts: I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I really liked it at first, but somewhere in the middle... it just didn't do it for me.

The book starts off well - we're introduced to Rori as she arrives back home after a very long time away. I found Rori to be immediately likeable, and her relationship with her sister and sister's family at their reunion was very believable. I think one thing that helped me like Rori is the way that she used to be a very awkward teenager, and then left home, travelled a bit, and gradually developed into her own person - I think probably most people can relate to this, but personally it resonated a lot.

I like Rori's early encounters with the people she used to know in the small town, and their reactions to how much more confident she is now. Again, it's very believable. And I liked reading about the gorgeous Jude, even if the fact that she's hooking up with her brother-in-law's half brother struck me as a tiny bit weird sometimes. The scenes when she's with Jude are very steamy, there is so much emotion and chemistry between them. I really wanted to see how they worked out what they were doing, how they were going to fit together. Then Jude screws up. And this is where it started to go downhill for me. As it says in the blurb, she meets Zach. She meets him the same night she's broken up with Jude, and yes, she won't let herself do anything with Zach at first because of that, but she's so persistent in thinking that everything is over between her and Jude. I can understand that she's cross because she's been badly hurt before, but I really wanted her to let him apologise properly, to give him a second chance.

As the blurb says, Rori falls in love with Zach. And here I really wasn't into the story. They get together, work through a couple of things, and then there is a huge chunk where they, for want of a better phrase, play house for a while. I found myself skimming over a lot of this bit. It just wasn't interesting to me. I'm still not sure how I feel about the end bit of the book. Yes, it was ok, but by that point I wasn't really interested any more. I felt like it had lost the promise that it had at the start.

I've heard a lot of good things about the author, Lauren Dane, so I probably will try and read some of her other books, because the writing was very good for a lot of the story, but unfortunately this one just didn't really do it for me.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 22, 2010 Lillie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, ebook, for-review, nook-books, received-for-promotion, received-from-net-galley, received-from-publisher, review-copy, reviewed-for-blog, carina

This review is A Flash of Fiction feature:

I Liked -- Plot: This was actually the first Lauren Dane book that I had ever read. But, I've already become hooked, and have been scouring for her backlist. Because of the name of the book, I knew that, despite Rori finding happiness elsewhere, she would eventually return to Jude. The overall plot was great, but what I loved about Dane's writing is the amount of emotion that she is able to infuse into her words. The gamut of human interaction is thoroug...more

like · see review

Dec 19, 2010 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rori Simon left town 10 years ago an over weight and shy girl only to return as an attractive self confident woman. When she finally catches the eye of the town bad boy, Jude Callahan, she is ready to let loose all the wicked fantasies she had about him. When Jude awakens the submissive in Rori they both feel the powerful connection between them grow. But Rori has grown up and Jude hasn't and his playboy ways send Rori packing. Now all Jude can do is sit back and watch as Rori meets Zach Helms....more Rori Simon left town 10 years ago an over weight and shy girl only to return as an attractive self confident woman. When she finally catches the eye of the town bad boy, Jude Callahan, she is ready to let loose all the wicked fantasies she had about him. When Jude awakens the submissive in Rori they both feel the powerful connection between them grow. But Rori has grown up and Jude hasn't and his playboy ways send Rori packing. Now all Jude can do is sit back and watch as Rori meets Zach Helms. This sensual Dom wants Rori with every fiber of his being; to take her, own her, and make her his forever. As Jude watches Rori fall in love with Zach he can only wonder if he has lost his second chance at love forever.

I adore Lauren Dane's stories. She has a wonderful voice that gives life to her flamboyant characters. The writing was smooth flowing with a steady pace that kept me hooked from page one. The sex scenes were very hot and demanded a few re reads. :)

I enjoyed our heroine Rori a lot. She came across as intelligent, honest, and unapologetic about enjoying sex. That is one thing I love about Ms. Dane's stories. Her characters like sex and you never get an ashamed or apologetic vibe coming off them for that.
Our hero(?)Jude was an enigma for me. He portrayed perfectly as the man who has to merely crook his finger and the ladies drop their panties. Seeing him try to deal with the intense feelings he develops for Rori and his inadvertent sabotaging of their relationship said a lot about his character. While I was angry at him through out the book, I couldn't help but love him myself as I watched him suffer for his fear of loving Rori completely.
Though I did like Zach and Rori together, I had a problem with his character. He was too intense right off the bat for me. He also crossed some boundaries a few times that made me feel he wasn't completely honest with Rori when he said he only wanted obedience in the bedroom. I felt he wanted to possess her 24/7 and it creeped me out a little. And Rori forgiving him right away annoyed me a little. If he had pulled that stunt with me I would have been upset for longer then 5 minutes. On the other hand though, Zach treated Rori the way she deserved to be treated and I never doubted his love for her.

The secondary characters were fab. Ms. Dane always builds such a strong family base around her main protagonists that really solidifies the story for me. I adored Rori's sister Kelly and her brother in law Matt. They were there for her every time and never hesitated to say what needed to be said.

The pivotal point in the book is pretty obvious hence the title, but the way Ms. Dane brings it about is an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, tears, and hope. My heart broke for Rori during this time and it took me a little to get back on track with the story.

All in all this was a enjoyable story that goes beyond simple erotica. Second Chances is a humorous, romantic, steamy love story that shows us the lives of 2 people who are given the greatest gift of all not once, but twice.

*I received this e book through Netgalley*(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 12, 2010 Allstarme79 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindling

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Having read five of Dane's other books, I was happy to come across this in the Kindle store and got it on a whim.

Major huge spoilers ahead. You've been warned!

As Rori comes back home after a ten year hiatus (Dane likes ten year breaks, evident in other novels :)) she comes to know some people from her past, one being Jude, who was her friend even when she was overweight with braces and glasses. Something I like about Dane's men is that although they are, at times stereotypically piggish and jerk...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2010 Bookish37 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rori Simon returns to her home town after her Parisian romance falls apart, but she is coming back smarter, stronger and sexier than when she left for college. And it isn't long before the single men in town, who once relegated her to funny, sister-like status, to notice her charms and confidence--including the alpha bad-boy, Jude, who Rori once believed was far beyond her reach. But when Rori sets her cap for Jude, she has to play his game, meaning she can get close, but not too close and she c...more Rori Simon returns to her home town after her Parisian romance falls apart, but she is coming back smarter, stronger and sexier than when she left for college. And it isn't long before the single men in town, who once relegated her to funny, sister-like status, to notice her charms and confidence--including the alpha bad-boy, Jude, who Rori once believed was far beyond her reach. But when Rori sets her cap for Jude, she has to play his game, meaning she can get close, but not too close and she certainly can't ask to be with him exclusively.

Rori soon realizes that bad boy can also mean brat boy, and once she gets tired of double dating Jude and his enormous ego, she dumps him--only to fall into the arms of sincere and handsome Zach. As her romance with Zach blossoms into love, Jude realizes too late that he has pushed away the one woman who could have loved and satisfied him entirely.

Dane's strengths as an author include her characterizations and how she is not afraid to upset some of the character types that recur in erotic romance, including the I-don't-wipe-my-dick-between-uses boorishness that is supposed to stand as a testament to the alpha male's attractiveness. Her female characters are also confident, smart and sexy, and don't bleat, you don't own me, while sprinting off to fetch their master's slippers. I actually cheered when Rori made her other woman's lipstick on his dick comment to Jude. It's refreshing to have a female character that doesn't take any crap and who does know there are more fish in the sea.

To the author's credit, she does tackle the alpha boor and make him believable as he struggles to grow up and accept the consequences of his actions, while at the same time crafting a hot romance between Zach and Rori. The book may be about second chances, but neither of the male characters is second best and Rori comes out first in both of her love affairs. This is a keeper of an erotic romance, with a deft plot and strong, believable characters.

This is a revised release of a book that was published by Loose Id in 2005.(less)

like · see review

Oct 24, 2010 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lauren Dane has written yet another book that brings the readers not just the highs of love, but the lows, and makes you want to read MORE. Rori's personal growth from shy and awkward teen to sexy and confident felt believable in light of what she had accomplished while away, and the immediate attraction between her and Rori, and later Zach, felt steamy and natural. I loved that she was confident in who she was, what she wanted professionally, personally, and sexually, and that she demanded her...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 23, 2010 Jessica (Find the Time to Read) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Whats it About: 10 years ago Rori left town, her self esteem in shambles. She had something to prove, not only to the town she was leaving, but to herself as well. Now that she’s back, shy pudgey Rori is a thing of the past. Of course its now that all the guys she wanted her to notice her back then notice her. The most notable one being, Jude, an insanely sexy bad boy who was her childhood crush for as long as Rori can remember.

Rori finds out that Jude is willing to tie her down, but isn’t quite...more

like · see review

Oct 21, 2010 Caitlin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lauren Dane gives a hot, yet powerful story with a sassy heroine. Rori escaped her same time small town right after high school where she was shy, fat and had acne. Many of us can relate. She comes back to her hometown a new woman, one who can love herself. I think that is one of the reason l enjoyed this one so much. I liked how Rori might have got a very sexy outside but it was just as important to her that she was sexy on the inside. She got pretty, not bitchy.

Coming back to town, she got a...more

like · see review

Oct 14, 2010 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge Lauren Dane fangirl and I was really excited when this book showed up on NetGalley. I immediately downloaded it to my Kindle and started reading. This is a fantastic erotic romance. The couples in the story are into D/s and Ms. Dane knows how to write that type of relationship well without going overboard. SECOND CHANCES is a very hot book, and has a lot of heart as well as heat.

SECOND CHANCES is full of fantastic characters. Rori is great and “watching” her get a happily ever after...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2010 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Delightful love story centered on a woman who has discovered herself, thrown off the oppression of her mother's criticism, become a published, acclaimed author, and has now returned to her hometown to re-establish her connections with her roots and her family. She is no longer the "ugly duckling" of her family. She is now slim, sexy, and confident, and she immediately attracts the attentions of several guys, one of whom starred in her adolescent dreams and her adult fantasies. But he is a player...more

like · see review

Sep 25, 2010 ALPHAreader rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ‘Second Chances’ is a scatter-brained erotica read. It feels like Lauren Dane has glued together three different erotica stories – creating a hodgepodge of characters, storylines and sex themes.
Reading the blurb I was under the impression that this was an ‘ugly duckling’ story with a sexy twist. Then I started reading and the story veered into Dominance/submission territory. And then things got really weird and the entire story took a totally different, emotional trajectory and by the end my he...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2009 marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Rori was the little sister of the high school sweetheart. She never had the looks or the outgoing personality of her sister. After graduation Rori decided some time and schooling abroad would be the way to go. After traveling the world, losing those few extra pounds, and finding herself Rori returned home a successful author ready to wow the town she left.

Coming from a small town it was no surprise that everyone knew of her arrival within a few hours. Heading out for the evening with her sister...more Rori was the little sister of the high school sweetheart. She never had the looks or the outgoing personality of her sister. After graduation Rori decided some time and schooling abroad would be the way to go. After traveling the world, losing those few extra pounds, and finding herself Rori returned home a successful author ready to wow the town she left.

Coming from a small town it was no surprise that everyone knew of her arrival within a few hours. Heading out for the evening with her sister and her family Rori managed to run into every boy she had a crush on in high school, and this time every one of them noticed her back. Especially Jude.

Jude was the bad boy of the school and now the town. I don't think we come across a female in this book that he hasn't taken to bed. He and Rori go out, have spectacular sex and pretty much exceed all of her fantasies of this man. Jude is also a Dom who is repressing his desires not to scare away his dates. He lets go somewhat with Rori and discovers she is a natural sub. Rori is pretty at home with the discovery. Then she discovers that he is lying about the multitude of women he is dating. Rori draws the line at having sex with another an hour before he picks her up. She leaves Jude and he realizes that he is just head over heels in love with her. Too late of course.

Rori meets up with Zach soon after. another Dom. this one knows a good thing when he sees it and they both fall in love almost instantly.

After a tragedy Rori and Jude have another chance to make things work.

This book does what i love best about Dane's books, she takes a life altering tragedy and turns it into a beautiful story. we saw not only Rori step into who she was but also Jude grow up.

The sex features some rope bondage, and pretty tame spanking. there is a mention of a flogger but nothing overtly harsh. I think it is pretty tame for a BDSM centered book. no less steamy, but i don't think those who are not into it would have much issue reading this one. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2013 Lynsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-contemp, theme-bdsm-kink, theme-hero-i-want-to-marry, theme-tattoos-piercings, tone-erotica

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 23, 2011 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Erotic Romance Lovers

Shelves: favorites

If Goodreads ratings allowed for it than I would give this one a solid 4.75 stars.

Rori may be a great deal more in many ways than what she is used to being, but the one thing that hasn't changed is the person she is on the inside. Sure she's shed the layers of the homely girl that most remember, which resulted in a new found confidence and self esteem she didn't have before, but she's determined to show people that she has not let it all go to her head. She just wants to have a good time and mak...more If Goodreads ratings allowed for it than I would give this one a solid 4.75 stars.

Rori may be a great deal more in many ways than what she is used to being, but the one thing that hasn't changed is the person she is on the inside. Sure she's shed the layers of the homely girl that most remember, which resulted in a new found confidence and self esteem she didn't have before, but she's determined to show people that she has not let it all go to her head. She just wants to have a good time and makes no expectations on the men that immediately crowd into her life upon her return. After having just gone through a disastrous relationship in a foreign country no less, she's not interested in jumping into something serious and instead wants to focus on her career, family, and perhaps reacquaint herself with some old friends and maybe add in some of those benefits that people are always talking about.

Jude is an old friend of Rori's and although he never had any sexual feelings for her in school, she was always there for him and understood him on a level that no one else could. He felt comfortable with letting her see a side of him he would show no one else. Jude's character flaw is that he complicates things more than he realizes. He sticks his foot in his mouth on more than one occasion and behaves in a way that makes it clear he’s a double standard. Deep down Jude knows what he wants, but he’s afraid to go there to get it and before he knows it he’s on the outside looking in.

Zach definitely knows what he wants and won't hesitate in getting it, but he doesn't just take without permission. He's into the BDSM scene same as Jude, but his introductory approach with Rori into the lifestyle is different. He offers her what it means to be a submissive and promises that no matter what he would never hurt her. Zach takes Rori for the ride of her life in exploring this new side of her sexuality and at the same time exploring the blossoming feelings they have for one another.

I'll be honest with my thinking that this would just be a quick, easy, but very enjoyable read. I've seen many rave reviews for Ms. Dane's work and have been meaning to check her out for myself. With this story as my introduction, I made the mistake of going into it with a few misconceptions. I very much enjoyed reading this story and I've no doubt that I will be checking into the rest of Ms. Dane's work, but I guess I just didn't expect the emotional roller coaster that I would be taken on. I believe what surprised me the most was that the overall story was so much more than I expected it to be and it wasn’t just about sex. Ms. Dane is quite gifted in weaving the sex scenes with BDSM elements, in to the story and making them sensual, erotic, fun, and creative, but the overlaying story is what ultimately captured my attention. At just 200 pages, I fell in love with a few of the characters to the point that when one of those emotional downs came it hit me harder than I thought it would. Ms. Dane manages to do this through witty and clever character dialogue and a storyline that just about anyone can relate to which is why I immediately connected with Rori. Having gone through some similar changes myself since being a teen and how she conducted herself when she returned to her hometown a completely changed person. Many people think about what they would say or do if they were lucky enough to have a second chance at something and Rori is one of the few that actually gets the opportunity, so it was nice to live a little vicariously.

I really appreciated how none of the characters in the story, particularly the men, was perfect. While Jude made mistakes, Zach learned from them and while Zach made mistakes, Jude learned from them. The rest of the supporting characters fell right into place without much thought, right down to the overbearing mother. The dialogue amongst them all felt realistic and flowed naturally.

While the first half of the book had a very easy pace to it, the second half went by much quicker than I would have expected and perhaps it shouldn’t have seeing as how the most dramatic events happen in the second half. The seasons changed and I was caught off guard by how much I was swept away by this very moving story. My only true complaint would be that I wish it were longer.

I am looking forward to discovering what else Ms. Dane has to offer and would recommend Second Chances to any reader of erotic romance.

Reviewed for Carina Press via NetGalley:
http://www.netgalley.com/(less)

like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Melinda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Just started the audio book. (and now finished it). This book was ok. Typical romance - with the added BDSM spice! Nicely written. Good characters. I enjoyed the way they interacted and the depth of feeling that was introduced..and the fact that this book happens over a three year period made it seem much more believable than some others from recent times!!!

So without leaking any pertinent information...

Even though it all ended up "with the fairytale ending" (so to speak)...I am not sure if I wa...more

like · see review

Jun 27, 2012 Passion For Pages rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review from http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...

*deep breath*

I cried. I screamed at my e-reader. I muttered every curse word I know at Lauren Dane as my heart broke towards the end of this book. But I’m getting a head of myself. Let me start at the begging.

This book is hot. THIS is what I’ve been looking for. It does have some light BDSM, but it’s the kind I like to read about. D/s relationship remained only in the bedroom and there was no controlling every aspect of our female character’s...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2010 Susi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-10, erotica, bdsm, romance, 2010

As always I'm highly impressed how much emotion Ms Dane puts in her novels. Before I have to admit I started this novel because it has Ms. Dane's name on it and I didn't even read the blurb before starting it. I have to say it's awesome to start a book this way. I started it without any expectations or thoughts about what might or might not happen. Yes I expected it to be a book full of family and love. and with the right amount of smut and that's exactly what I got.

In Second Chances we meet Ror...more As always I'm highly impressed how much emotion Ms Dane puts in her novels. Before I have to admit I started this novel because it has Ms. Dane's name on it and I didn't even read the blurb before starting it. I have to say it's awesome to start a book this way. I started it without any expectations or thoughts about what might or might not happen. Yes I expected it to be a book full of family and love. and with the right amount of smut and that's exactly what I got.

In Second Chances we meet Rory- a strong and intelligent woman. She's independent and very proud about that but she is need of her famliy and friends. Rory lived through some tough moments recently and she needs to feel loved again- to be hugged from time to time and to be appreciated for what she is. She also wants to live her life free and with no strings attached- for the moment at least. As a teen she was the ugly duckling. She had a few pounds too much and all the other problems like unclear skin you can get while in puberty. After leaving her hometown and living on her own for the first time she worked on those problems and now she attracts the eyes of all those guys who wouldn't have even thought of her as a girl in her youth. Now she can choose and she already knows who she wants.

I really liked Jude. Yes he behaves like an asshole but we also get a glimpse into his thoughts and that totally undid me. He has a good part inside himself and it felt like just his own insecurities prevented him from getting more involved with Zoe. I think I have a real soft spot for the "broken" heroes- the ones who see the world wrong because of some problems in themselves. The ones who act like assholes but deep inside you know this will be the one- he just has to open his eyes. Jude for example is afraid of commitment. He's a real charmer and has a new woman at his side every few days. He enjoys his life- completely without really thinking about tomorrow or about how his actions affect the people around him.

When Jude totally blows up his chance Zach joins the story. He is wonderful- sweet, sexy and totally committed. Zach is a Dom through and through but also a great loving person. He cherishes Rory the way she should be and he would do anything to make her happy. So yes I felt bad for wanting her to be with Jude. She's obvisiously happy with him and I also understood why but I still rooted for Jude. *guilty face*

The story was great. As I already said we have the typical Lauren Dane family bonds. I love how she always puts a great supporting family in her books. This way you know no matter what happens to the people we start to love through reading her stories won't be left alone. There will always be someone to care for them. I really like this. I have to admit that in Second Chances some parts of the story felt a bit too slow for me but others where a bit too fast. I love to read about someone being happy and I enjoyed the time Rory spent with Zach but I knew it would end one way or another. And I wanted Jude to get his chance.It was a bit hard for me to enjoy the Zach time when I actually just waited for the Jude time to start again.

The last part of the book gets really sad. I cried a few times- this story really gripped my heart. I was uncertain about a few parts of it but all in all Second Chances is gripping heartfelt and erotic story all put together by exceptional writing.

I give Second Chances 3,5 out of 5 bookies.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 24, 2011 Nina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-3-stars, adult, hot-heroes, american-setting, beautiful-love-story, contemporary, best-covers, gut-and-heart-wrenching, kickass-heroines, ordinary-world, erotica, romance-at-high-dose, stand-alone, sweet-and-enchanting, urban-fantasy

Well, Mbak Rie_dominique pernah bilang aku nggak boleh baca buku BDSM (karena itulah Fifty Shades of Grey kulewatin terus) dan kemudian aku liat buku ini di rak tanteku yang baru pindah dari St. Paul, dan guess what?, ternyata buku ini ada BDSM-nya.

Huwaaaa, sori, Mbak Rie, ternyata aku kecolongan baca T^T

Yah, eniwei, despite of its BDSM lines, bukunya lumayan menyentuh, meskipun ketika aku baca sampai selesai, tanggapanku, eh, cuma begini doang toh. Kukira gimana. Romans biasa deh, bahkan cende...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 Tam Herra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: rated-r-erotic, tie-me-up

This book is pretty complex. In fact it's like 4 or 5 plots in 1. I'm still trying to comprehend what happened here and whether I liked it or not. I think I've decided that the complexity was nice, sort of similar to life. We really get to see Rori transition in this book.

I didn't really like the end to the one relationship. Something like that is difficult to write especially when trying to express how a character copes to move on. It felt like it happened too quickly and I really felt like Jud...more

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Second Chances
avg rating	preview: Second Chances Goodreads rating: 3.95 (1253 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6263893-second-chances?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1283183926l/6263893.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6263893-second-chances?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Second Chances by Lauren Dane[/url]

Second Chances

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Lauren Dane

Books by Lauren Dane

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Second Chances