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Second Wind
Second wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need. Or will it just be a painful reminder of all they had lost?
Second chance: an opportunity to try something again that failed one time. Rush and Lincoln have shared a lot of firsts—friendship, young love, and heartbreak. Cruel reality forced the two men to choose paths that took their lives in different directions. Twenty-six years later, they get a second chance to fall in love with each all over again. Can it really be that simple, or will the same issues ruin their happiness a second time?
Happily ever after: to live happily for the rest of one’s life. Rush and Lincoln know that love and life can’t be defined by words alone. Patience, commitment, and the determination to do whatever it takes will be the only way the two men achieve their happily ever after.
Second Wind is a funny, sexy, and endearing standalone romance novel about love, loss, and rediscovery. It contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.
Second chance: an opportunity to try something again that failed one time. Rush and Lincoln have shared a lot of firsts—friendship, young love, and heartbreak. Cruel reality forced the two men to choose paths that took their lives in different directions. Twenty-six years later, they get a second chance to fall in love with each all over again. Can it really be that simple, or will the same issues ruin their happiness a second time?
Happily ever after: to live happily for the rest of one’s life. Rush and Lincoln know that love and life can’t be defined by words alone. Patience, commitment, and the determination to do whatever it takes will be the only way the two men achieve their happily ever after.
Second Wind is a funny, sexy, and endearing standalone romance novel about love, loss, and rediscovery. It contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2018
94 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
72 books2,016 followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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February 18, 2018DNF at 61%
I'm calling it. I just cannot finish this. I, in no way, care at all at this point.
Caution...rant below.😡
It took 48% before they meet back up again. This 48% was filled with a few flashbacks to their teenage love and crush but mainly them in their current lives. Lincoln has gone on to marry a woman and have two kids. He loved his wife. She is his best friend. But he was missing something. He could never bring himself to come out as gay or admit his previous teen relationship with Rush. So the first 48% is filled with him and his wife and their subsequent divorce when SHE tells him they haven't been a real couple in a long time. When things come out, his wife is sweet and understanding. Too sweet and too understanding. And maybe it was like he said that it was because she had a new man in her life. Anyway, when he comes out to his mom, she is understanding 🙄 . Now, I'm not one for a bunch of angst but wouldn't you expect the ex wife or the mom to have a little bit of a hard time accepting Lincoln was gay? Just a little bit?🤔
So in the first 48% Rush has a boyfriend of 10 years. He's missing something as well but they recommit to each other and his boyfriend asks him to marry him. But he later leaves him at the alter on their wedding day. He then moves on with some dates and random hook-ups. And he thinks about Lincoln often at this point.
My biggest issue with all this is that 48% is them with other people and their current lives! I want to see them together. I understand the need for giving some background as to what they have been doing. But I don't need almost half the book with all that. Then, oh this was great, they see each other randomly and BOOM! They pick right back up where they left off! And that includes falling right into bed together without having some deep conversations as to what they had been up to. They were both pining away for each other but it had been 26 FREAKING YEARS! 26 years people. I think some conversation is in order don't you? I mean Lincoln hasn't touched another guy in 26 YEARS! *smh*
But also, where was the funny in all this? The blurb says "Second Wind is a funny, sexy, and endearing standalone romance novel about love, loss, and rediscovery." The only funny part at all was Rush's assistant Nigel and his husband...wait for it...Kent Clark. Uh....maybe his mom was funny naming him that.
This storyline had so much potential but to me, it just fell short.
I'm calling it. I just cannot finish this. I, in no way, care at all at this point.
Caution...rant below.😡
It took 48% before they meet back up again. This 48% was filled with a few flashbacks to their teenage love and crush but mainly them in their current lives. Lincoln has gone on to marry a woman and have two kids. He loved his wife. She is his best friend. But he was missing something. He could never bring himself to come out as gay or admit his previous teen relationship with Rush. So the first 48% is filled with him and his wife and their subsequent divorce when SHE tells him they haven't been a real couple in a long time. When things come out, his wife is sweet and understanding. Too sweet and too understanding. And maybe it was like he said that it was because she had a new man in her life. Anyway, when he comes out to his mom, she is understanding 🙄 . Now, I'm not one for a bunch of angst but wouldn't you expect the ex wife or the mom to have a little bit of a hard time accepting Lincoln was gay? Just a little bit?🤔
So in the first 48% Rush has a boyfriend of 10 years. He's missing something as well but they recommit to each other and his boyfriend asks him to marry him. But he later leaves him at the alter on their wedding day. He then moves on with some dates and random hook-ups. And he thinks about Lincoln often at this point.
My biggest issue with all this is that 48% is them with other people and their current lives! I want to see them together. I understand the need for giving some background as to what they have been doing. But I don't need almost half the book with all that. Then, oh this was great, they see each other randomly and BOOM! They pick right back up where they left off! And that includes falling right into bed together without having some deep conversations as to what they had been up to. They were both pining away for each other but it had been 26 FREAKING YEARS! 26 years people. I think some conversation is in order don't you? I mean Lincoln hasn't touched another guy in 26 YEARS! *smh*
But also, where was the funny in all this? The blurb says "Second Wind is a funny, sexy, and endearing standalone romance novel about love, loss, and rediscovery." The only funny part at all was Rush's assistant Nigel and his husband...wait for it...Kent Clark. Uh....maybe his mom was funny naming him that.
This storyline had so much potential but to me, it just fell short.
February 13, 2018
Aimee Nicole has outdone herself with this one imho. It's a glorious second chance romance between two older MCs who never forgot each other.
The phrasing of the narrative cleverly covers a period of more than two decades but without relying only on straight up flashbacks but also through contrasting the here and now with events in their teenage years.
There is little angst in this, other than in the events of the past, and I loved that the secondary cast of characters were also strongly fleshed out and acted in a believable fashion.
Lincoln's ex wife and kids were great, helping to cut down on the need for unnecessary plotting to drive the narrative. There didn't necessarily need to be any tension and I was very glad Aimee didn't use the ex wife etc to create it purely for plot points.
Once these two men bumped into each other and fate gave them their second chance, they both went for it at full tilt and the book benefited from it.
Now, that's not to say there weren't tensions, there were and, again, they came from realistic fears and worries on the part of both Rush and Lincoln. But they felt organic to the story and there were conversations about them instead of miscommunication!
I really loved this one, the sex scenes are hot but even hotter is the pure love which radiates out from Rush and Lincoln.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The phrasing of the narrative cleverly covers a period of more than two decades but without relying only on straight up flashbacks but also through contrasting the here and now with events in their teenage years.
There is little angst in this, other than in the events of the past, and I loved that the secondary cast of characters were also strongly fleshed out and acted in a believable fashion.
Lincoln's ex wife and kids were great, helping to cut down on the need for unnecessary plotting to drive the narrative. There didn't necessarily need to be any tension and I was very glad Aimee didn't use the ex wife etc to create it purely for plot points.
Once these two men bumped into each other and fate gave them their second chance, they both went for it at full tilt and the book benefited from it.
Now, that's not to say there weren't tensions, there were and, again, they came from realistic fears and worries on the part of both Rush and Lincoln. But they felt organic to the story and there were conversations about them instead of miscommunication!
I really loved this one, the sex scenes are hot but even hotter is the pure love which radiates out from Rush and Lincoln.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 16, 2018
3.5★'s rounded up to 4★'s
I try to stay away from half ★'s and all that jazz but sometimes a book deserves a little more but not all the more. Does that make sense?
Well, this book was like that for me.
I think I enjoyed the first 40-50%, the setup if you will, more than I enjoyed the story after they found each other again. I don't even know if that is a completely true statement. I was very unsure how I was going to like this story even at the time of the setup.
I just don't know.
I am not a fan of huge separations. I am not a huge fan of long term relationships and the easy out so to speak. I know that was what this book was about but I guess I didn't think it all the way through. But, it mostly was fine for me and then it kind of went off the rails.
Once they reconnected, which was straight out of a your favorite Rom-Com btw, I felt like it was just sex. Sex, sex and then more sex. I think that we were supposed to love the ease of them falling back together but it felt kind of off to me. Maybe it was just too easy?
So, I kind of liked this. I am sure it is much loved by the masses, I'm probably just a jerk.
I try to stay away from half ★'s and all that jazz but sometimes a book deserves a little more but not all the more. Does that make sense?
Well, this book was like that for me.
I think I enjoyed the first 40-50%, the setup if you will, more than I enjoyed the story after they found each other again. I don't even know if that is a completely true statement. I was very unsure how I was going to like this story even at the time of the setup.
I just don't know.
I am not a fan of huge separations. I am not a huge fan of long term relationships and the easy out so to speak. I know that was what this book was about but I guess I didn't think it all the way through. But, it mostly was fine for me and then it kind of went off the rails.
Once they reconnected, which was straight out of a your favorite Rom-Com btw, I felt like it was just sex. Sex, sex and then more sex. I think that we were supposed to love the ease of them falling back together but it felt kind of off to me. Maybe it was just too easy?
So, I kind of liked this. I am sure it is much loved by the masses, I'm probably just a jerk.
February 20, 2018
5 stars.
Out of all the Aimee Nicole Walker books I've read, this has to be my favorite to date. Yes, Linc and Rush meet again after 20+ years but I didn't really have a problem with it. It sort of worked with the way the book was written.
I loved the side characters but I wish that the kids had more of a part in the book as they were a vital part to their story. There isn't anything that I didn't love about this book. I felt every emotion they did and it felt like I was in their story.
Second Wind has to be one of my favorite second chance romances ever written and I'm excited for more by Aimee.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
We can't turn back the clock, but we can make sure we never repeat past mistakes.
Out of all the Aimee Nicole Walker books I've read, this has to be my favorite to date. Yes, Linc and Rush meet again after 20+ years but I didn't really have a problem with it. It sort of worked with the way the book was written.
It doesn't matter how much time has passed, I know one thing that has remained constant: you are all that is right and good in the world.
I loved the side characters but I wish that the kids had more of a part in the book as they were a vital part to their story. There isn't anything that I didn't love about this book. I felt every emotion they did and it felt like I was in their story.
Second Wind has to be one of my favorite second chance romances ever written and I'm excited for more by Aimee.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2018
4,5 stars
I loved this book! It was a beautifully written love story about two men destined to be together. It might take some time to get there, and a few heartbreaks along the way, but in the end it was all worth it.
And fall in love they did. The love Rush and Lincoln shared as teenagers was wonderful. It was everything you’d expect from that first love, intense, awkward, and painful ,yet so, so unbelievably sweet. It was all encompassing but also had that forbidden and fearful note. I loved reading the snippets of them as boys, falling in love, sharing all of their firsts – including their first heartbreak. Because at that time and at that place would not see them having their happily ever after.
And in some ways they both did. They kept waiting for each other, for that someday, never truly being whole without the other but doing their best to move forward and live anyway. Then that someday arrived and their lives forever changed again. And this time it was the right time and the right place. Everything else was just details they needed to figure out to be where they both wanted to be – together.
I truly believed in this book, in this story. I believed in all the characters and their actions, main and supporting ones. It is credible, in that perfect fantasy kind of way. I might not always have agreed with them, but I believed the credibility of them. There were no unnecessary drama, no bad guys, nothing was played up for the dramatic effect of it all, and more importantly – there were communications between the characters. They all behaved as the mature adults they were, making those tough decisions, but making them together and trusting and being honest with each other.
Second Wind is that love story, that fantasy or dream we’ve all had at one time or another. About that one true love, that one person truly meant for you, who completes you. About that unconditional and irrevocable love that never fades no matter the distance, no matter the time passed. And I am so happy to have been fortunate to have shared Rush and Lincoln’s story. It was beautiful and just perfect.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I loved this book! It was a beautifully written love story about two men destined to be together. It might take some time to get there, and a few heartbreaks along the way, but in the end it was all worth it.
When I was ten years old, even younger if I’m being honest, I fell in love with a boy
And fall in love they did. The love Rush and Lincoln shared as teenagers was wonderful. It was everything you’d expect from that first love, intense, awkward, and painful ,yet so, so unbelievably sweet. It was all encompassing but also had that forbidden and fearful note. I loved reading the snippets of them as boys, falling in love, sharing all of their firsts – including their first heartbreak. Because at that time and at that place would not see them having their happily ever after.
And in some ways they both did. They kept waiting for each other, for that someday, never truly being whole without the other but doing their best to move forward and live anyway. Then that someday arrived and their lives forever changed again. And this time it was the right time and the right place. Everything else was just details they needed to figure out to be where they both wanted to be – together.
I truly believed in this book, in this story. I believed in all the characters and their actions, main and supporting ones. It is credible, in that perfect fantasy kind of way. I might not always have agreed with them, but I believed the credibility of them. There were no unnecessary drama, no bad guys, nothing was played up for the dramatic effect of it all, and more importantly – there were communications between the characters. They all behaved as the mature adults they were, making those tough decisions, but making them together and trusting and being honest with each other.
Second Wind is that love story, that fantasy or dream we’ve all had at one time or another. About that one true love, that one person truly meant for you, who completes you. About that unconditional and irrevocable love that never fades no matter the distance, no matter the time passed. And I am so happy to have been fortunate to have shared Rush and Lincoln’s story. It was beautiful and just perfect.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 6, 2018
4 stars.
March 1, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
I’m a total sucker for reunited lovers, so as soon as I read the blurb for this one, I snatched it up. The second half of this book really highlighted all the things I love. For both these guys, it was easy to fall into a relationship because everything between them was right. On top of that, the author made it believable that they were both in a place where they could change their lives, mentally and financially. So I really appreciated that whole part, and for me, that was where the story took off.
Walker gives us two fleshed out characters that have their own hang ups, but are believable. Both Rush and Lincoln had a realness to them I enjoyed. I liked that they were all around good guys, but that each had flaws that made them human. They weren’t perfect, but they were good, and that made a difference. I enjoyed watching the story play out, and I was rooting for them to find their happily ever after. But I will say that the first half of the book dragged a bit fore me. The MCs were living their own lives. For Rush, that meant trying to make it work with a man who wasn’t right for him, and then moving on past that. Lincoln was still married to his wife, and while I appreciated very much that the two ended things amicable and wonderfully, I didn’t quite feel the connection between them that would allow me to believe they’d lived a happy life for twenty years.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
I’m a total sucker for reunited lovers, so as soon as I read the blurb for this one, I snatched it up. The second half of this book really highlighted all the things I love. For both these guys, it was easy to fall into a relationship because everything between them was right. On top of that, the author made it believable that they were both in a place where they could change their lives, mentally and financially. So I really appreciated that whole part, and for me, that was where the story took off.
Walker gives us two fleshed out characters that have their own hang ups, but are believable. Both Rush and Lincoln had a realness to them I enjoyed. I liked that they were all around good guys, but that each had flaws that made them human. They weren’t perfect, but they were good, and that made a difference. I enjoyed watching the story play out, and I was rooting for them to find their happily ever after. But I will say that the first half of the book dragged a bit fore me. The MCs were living their own lives. For Rush, that meant trying to make it work with a man who wasn’t right for him, and then moving on past that. Lincoln was still married to his wife, and while I appreciated very much that the two ended things amicable and wonderfully, I didn’t quite feel the connection between them that would allow me to believe they’d lived a happy life for twenty years.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
March 11, 2018
I so wanted to like this book but it was so utterly unbelievable that it just didn't work. Rush and Linc hid their relationship in high school and everything was going well until Linc suddenly distanced himself and refused to have anything to do with Rush. After school, both men go on to live their separate lives and move away from their families who would never accept their sexuality. While Rush's family disowned him when he came out, Linc remained firmly in the closet and even went so far as to marry a woman and have children.
From the blurb, I expected something pretty special and was excited to get started reading but it was such a slow burner that virtually the first half of the book is spent following Rush and his disastrous ten-year relationship with Mr Wrong and Linc the family man. There's a little bit about them as boys but mostly we learn about their adult lives. When I read about a couple, I prefer more of the book to be spent with them interacting in some shape or form, not be reading about what they've been up to in the interim.
Anyway, when the pair bump into each other, it's as if the last 26 years never existed (seriously ?!?!) and despite Rush having been the only man Linc had ever been with, they jump straight into a sexual relationship that very day!
Now, I don't like unnecessary drama just for the sake of padding out a book but I do like to be wondering if they'll definitely get their HEA. This story has literally no drama, no one falls out and all family members are immediately accepting of the two men getting together, in fact, they actively encourage it. Sadly, I have one more complaint and that is that the dialogue during their numerous 'sexy times' was cringeworthy. All this achieved was a lack of chemistry and two main characters who were barely likeable because of it. It's a shame because there is so much unfulfilled potential here if only the story had been worked out a little differently.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
From the blurb, I expected something pretty special and was excited to get started reading but it was such a slow burner that virtually the first half of the book is spent following Rush and his disastrous ten-year relationship with Mr Wrong and Linc the family man. There's a little bit about them as boys but mostly we learn about their adult lives. When I read about a couple, I prefer more of the book to be spent with them interacting in some shape or form, not be reading about what they've been up to in the interim.
Anyway, when the pair bump into each other, it's as if the last 26 years never existed (seriously ?!?!) and despite Rush having been the only man Linc had ever been with, they jump straight into a sexual relationship that very day!
Now, I don't like unnecessary drama just for the sake of padding out a book but I do like to be wondering if they'll definitely get their HEA. This story has literally no drama, no one falls out and all family members are immediately accepting of the two men getting together, in fact, they actively encourage it. Sadly, I have one more complaint and that is that the dialogue during their numerous 'sexy times' was cringeworthy. All this achieved was a lack of chemistry and two main characters who were barely likeable because of it. It's a shame because there is so much unfulfilled potential here if only the story had been worked out a little differently.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
February 20, 2018
Not for me. First off, having an MC who starts out the book married with kids is just a huge turn off for me. Couple that with the lack of chemistry between the two MC's and I was not a fan. The only reason I finished this one was for a challenge.
February 17, 2018
✭4 Stars✭
A beautiful second-chance love story! 💜
A beautiful second-chance love story! 💜
March 18, 2018
Great book! Romantic and about second chances in life.
March 3, 2018
HEA so sweet you better watch it!
Totally adorable, this was a sweet story about redemption and forgiveness, about suffering and making amends, second chances. And a happily ever after so perfect it made my heart all warm and fluttery.
Totally adorable, this was a sweet story about redemption and forgiveness, about suffering and making amends, second chances. And a happily ever after so perfect it made my heart all warm and fluttery.
February 14, 2018
Reunited lovers books are some of my favorites and Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker is a fantastically beautiful story. Childhood friends and teenage secret lovers are reunited after over twenty years and living very different lives. The contrast in their lives since they went their separate ways, the bond between them that never quite left them, and the way they are reunited made this an emotional, riveting love story.
I’m going to start by saying that as I started this book I wasn’t really sure how these two men were going to find their way back to one another. This book spans a good deal of time and that’s not including the very necessary flashbacks so readers understand how much these men meant to each other as children and teens and I respected that the author didn’t rush them back together once the path was clear for them, she gave them both time to absorb the changes in their lives and to accept their new normal before moving into a new relationship.
Twenty plus years after coming out to his parents and being disowned, Rush Holden, has made his home in Chicago and has a career as a photographer. He is thankful for his sister who stood by him and moved with him, his now brother in law and his niece who love him unconditionally. His ten year relationship has a few fissures, but he tends to overlook them as he’s mostly happy and anticipating a marriage proposal and hopefully a few years down the road a baby. He’s not getting any younger and he longs for a family of his own.
Lincoln Hurley left Tennessee and headed to college on a football scholarship, a short time in the NFL and a career ending injury left him, his wife whom he met in college, and their baby setting up house in San Diego and opening a very successful real estate business. He acknowledges he’s had a good life, he’s married to his best friend, and they have two bright, wonderful children who are the light in his life, but he also realizes now that they have an empty nest that his wife doesn’t seem as happy and he knows that part of that is he hasn’t been truthful to her since they’ve been together and despite how much he loves her and their children, he’s been living a lie that he can no longer live.
For over two decades Rush and Lincoln lived their lives; Rush as an out and proud gay man and Lincoln as a devoted heterosexual husband and father, and while they were content, they weren’t truly happy. I loved that as their lives were changing, the memories they had of one another were strong. A chance meeting brought them back together and watching them learn each other as adults, forgive the things that tore them apart, and revisit the love they once shared was mesmerizing. I must say that Lincoln’s ex-wife, his children, and his mother and their easy acceptance of his coming out make me wish that for anyone who feels the need to have that talk with family.
I ran the gambit of emotions reading Second Wind and I fell absolutely in love with Rush, Lincoln, and their friends and family. This is a feel good story decades in the making proving that real love is worth the wait. I loved EVERY minute of this book!
February 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good second chance romance. I liked the tie in the author put in from book 1 of her other series. It was like a little nod to us readers who have read everything. Was it a little unrealistic? Yes. They were quick to reunite after being apart after 26 years, but I didn't mind it. I really felt they deserved to not waste any more time. The connection that had was palpable, and beautiful to read about. The little Polaroid pictures before each chapter really amped up my enjoyment for the story. This author rarely disappoints me, and I look forward to her next book.
July 15, 2018
I think that this is my favorite Aimee Nicole Walker book to date!!!! I read it in one sitting, absolutely soaking up the beautiful second chance reunion story of Rush and Linc. And that reunion? Swoooooon I love childhood friends-to-lovers and second stories and this hit every high note for me. I liked the flashbacks to give us their story in the past even as the events unfolded in the present with their current relationships.
February 17, 2018
I loved this book! I loved their love story. Absolutely beautiful!
May 10, 2018
Such a lovely book. I loved Rush and Linc! Their story made me sad in the beginning but it ended beautifully and they got their HEA.
April 10, 2018
This was a frustrating book for me. We spent so much time with the flashbacks and their current relationships that I almost gave up on the book altogether. I think we were around 50% before they even see each other. And then, after all that waiting, they just fall back together. Easy as pie. WTF? Are you kidding me here? Between the plethora of understanding people in their lives and the quick back together, it just didn't work all that well for me.
February 26, 2018
It's stories like this that I really love. The bone deep love that lasts forever. Linc and Rush loved each other since they were kids. But, when half of your whole can't accept themselves for who they are and lets fear dictate their fate it drives a wedge between what should be and what will be.
This story is told in present day with flashbacks from their childhood and high school years. It's in those flashbacks that you feel your heart ache so very much. While I was sad for Linc, it was Rush that broke me. I admired him both as a young guy and a grown man. Everything he was. It tore me apart to see what he went through but I was happy to see that he made a great life for himself.
Linc also made a great life that was so different from Rush's but great nonetheless. I was so intrigued reading this book and wondering where the author was going to take this. So often I said to myself, "How in the world is she going to make these two connect again?" Never underestimate this author. Aimee Nicole Walker gave Linc and Rush a gorgeous, happy, at times heartbreaking, very sexy story.
I recommend this very much. So well written.
This story is told in present day with flashbacks from their childhood and high school years. It's in those flashbacks that you feel your heart ache so very much. While I was sad for Linc, it was Rush that broke me. I admired him both as a young guy and a grown man. Everything he was. It tore me apart to see what he went through but I was happy to see that he made a great life for himself.
Linc also made a great life that was so different from Rush's but great nonetheless. I was so intrigued reading this book and wondering where the author was going to take this. So often I said to myself, "How in the world is she going to make these two connect again?" Never underestimate this author. Aimee Nicole Walker gave Linc and Rush a gorgeous, happy, at times heartbreaking, very sexy story.
I recommend this very much. So well written.
February 20, 2018
I almost didn't finish this book. Honestly, I flipped through the first half of it and barely cared what happened to Rush or Lincoln, but I really dislike not finishing books so I powered through. I'm happy the book has a HEA, but that is the best thing about the book in my opinion.
The first half of the book is Rush allowing himself to stay in a relationship with an absolute jerk that treats him terribly and Lincoln being married to his best friend who he's basically lied to for the last twenty years by not telling her that he's gay.
The second half of the book is Rush and Linc finding each other and their short sprint to the alter which is made up of about 70% sex. Lincoln's kids are great and I liked how the storyline went with Linc coming out to them and Phee was a bright spot in this otherwise boring book.
The first half of the book is Rush allowing himself to stay in a relationship with an absolute jerk that treats him terribly and Lincoln being married to his best friend who he's basically lied to for the last twenty years by not telling her that he's gay.
The second half of the book is Rush and Linc finding each other and their short sprint to the alter which is made up of about 70% sex. Lincoln's kids are great and I liked how the storyline went with Linc coming out to them and Phee was a bright spot in this otherwise boring book.
March 16, 2018
This was my first read by Aimee and I really enjoyed it. I love a second chance romance and Rush and Lincoln didn't disappoint!! I will be most definitely reading another from this author...
February 28, 2018
Second Wind
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Second Wind is a different, interesting story of second chance love. It’s not often that a romance book takes you on a journey of the lives of the MC’s, from childhood to adulthood. A life where they are both in long-term relationships, the ending of those relationships and a random meeting once both are free.
The first half of this book was spent on Lincoln’s life with his wife and children; Rush’s life with a crappy boyfriend, his longing for love, marriage and children; and flashbacks of Rush and Lincoln as children and teenagers. There was a lot of background shared in these flashbacks, but as I’ve said before, I’m just not a fan of flashbacks. I think this author’s were well-done, and had important information to set up the second half of the book, but I’m still not a fan of them. And Lincoln and Rush’s story takes a lot of set-up, as I said previously, half the book is spent with them not even being in the vicinity of each other. Then, once they meet again, it’s full-steam, full-relationship ahead.
I loved both of these characters. They were good, likable men. They both chose a different path for their life, but regardless, they were brought back together. They both had loving, supporting friends and family. I loved the relationship between Lincoln, his ex-wife and their children. I really felt for Rush who just wanted to find love, marriage and to have a family. I loved that both men were mature and had lived life before they reconnected. And, I loved this book once the two men did reconnect. It was a whirlwind of rediscovery and though it may be considered instalove, is there instalove when you’ve spent your life loving someone regardless of proximity?
I’d definitely recommend you give this book a chance, and remember it’s a journey through life and love and everybody’s journey looks different. I mean, how boring would it be if all of our lives and decisions looked exactly like everyone else’s?
Rating: 4.5 stars!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Second Wind is a different, interesting story of second chance love. It’s not often that a romance book takes you on a journey of the lives of the MC’s, from childhood to adulthood. A life where they are both in long-term relationships, the ending of those relationships and a random meeting once both are free.
The first half of this book was spent on Lincoln’s life with his wife and children; Rush’s life with a crappy boyfriend, his longing for love, marriage and children; and flashbacks of Rush and Lincoln as children and teenagers. There was a lot of background shared in these flashbacks, but as I’ve said before, I’m just not a fan of flashbacks. I think this author’s were well-done, and had important information to set up the second half of the book, but I’m still not a fan of them. And Lincoln and Rush’s story takes a lot of set-up, as I said previously, half the book is spent with them not even being in the vicinity of each other. Then, once they meet again, it’s full-steam, full-relationship ahead.
I loved both of these characters. They were good, likable men. They both chose a different path for their life, but regardless, they were brought back together. They both had loving, supporting friends and family. I loved the relationship between Lincoln, his ex-wife and their children. I really felt for Rush who just wanted to find love, marriage and to have a family. I loved that both men were mature and had lived life before they reconnected. And, I loved this book once the two men did reconnect. It was a whirlwind of rediscovery and though it may be considered instalove, is there instalove when you’ve spent your life loving someone regardless of proximity?
I’d definitely recommend you give this book a chance, and remember it’s a journey through life and love and everybody’s journey looks different. I mean, how boring would it be if all of our lives and decisions looked exactly like everyone else’s?
Rating: 4.5 stars!
February 21, 2018
I knew going in this book was gonna test me and my anxiety however I wasn't quite prepared for the amount of emotions Aimee managed to pull from me whilst reading Second Wind.
The tale of these two men was an emotional journey from the very first page. I enjoyed how the author told the story by using generous flashback scenes but not using too many that they took you out the current scene. Each and every moment between the characters was relevant and heart breaking during their early years and the struggles and triumphs they both had the witness and endure to get to the present was very bit as sad as it was happy.
I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't think about putting the book down and stepping away a few times whilst reading because I did. The angst and anxiety I felt was crippling but the feeling of calm and happiness I got once I finished was worth ever single tear I shed.
In my opinion, Aimee thrived whilst writing this book and I feel like my life is better just by reading it. Second Wind pushed me to my limits and I wish I could go back and read it all again for the first time to experience each and every emotion.
The tale of these two men was an emotional journey from the very first page. I enjoyed how the author told the story by using generous flashback scenes but not using too many that they took you out the current scene. Each and every moment between the characters was relevant and heart breaking during their early years and the struggles and triumphs they both had the witness and endure to get to the present was very bit as sad as it was happy.
I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't think about putting the book down and stepping away a few times whilst reading because I did. The angst and anxiety I felt was crippling but the feeling of calm and happiness I got once I finished was worth ever single tear I shed.
In my opinion, Aimee thrived whilst writing this book and I feel like my life is better just by reading it. Second Wind pushed me to my limits and I wish I could go back and read it all again for the first time to experience each and every emotion.
November 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Well, if I really liked the first part (even if I don't usually like flashbacks), I'm not convinced by the second part.
First of all, I liked that both MCs are mature and "old", that's (usually) less painful to read (for me, obviously - I can't read something with MCs around 20 because it's often superficial and it's like teenage movie but in a book - well, I'm old enough not to inflict myself such a painful moment).
I liked they have made their life, and I really like the syle of the author that I adore.
BUT.
The second part is like a porno book with MCs like rabbits, trying to sleep together all the time. Let's have a conversation? no, no, sex first. Let's have diner? no, no, sex first. Let's go see our parents/kids? no, no, sex first. I like a dirty talk from time to time, but it's too much sex even for me.
And Rush and L... After 26 years apart, in a snap of fingers, hop, everything is good between them. If I were Rush, man, it would not be so easy, trust me.
So, not the one I prefer.
Well, if I really liked the first part (even if I don't usually like flashbacks), I'm not convinced by the second part.
First of all, I liked that both MCs are mature and "old", that's (usually) less painful to read (for me, obviously - I can't read something with MCs around 20 because it's often superficial and it's like teenage movie but in a book - well, I'm old enough not to inflict myself such a painful moment).
I liked they have made their life, and I really like the syle of the author that I adore.
BUT.
The second part is like a porno book with MCs like rabbits, trying to sleep together all the time. Let's have a conversation? no, no, sex first. Let's have diner? no, no, sex first. Let's go see our parents/kids? no, no, sex first. I like a dirty talk from time to time, but it's too much sex even for me.
And Rush and L... After 26 years apart, in a snap of fingers, hop, everything is good between them. If I were Rush, man, it would not be so easy, trust me.
So, not the one I prefer.
September 17, 2018
"I still see the boy I loved so much when I look in your eyes. I really want to learn about the man you've become." ❤️ You guys!!!! Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker is live, it's on KU and it could be her best book yet!!! A gorgeous, second chance love story that spans 4 decades. It's just so beautifully written and true. The words, the gut-wrenching FEELS.....There were so many beautiful scenes, and I bookmarked the hell out of this book!! You will need one hand to press on the ache in your heart when you read this story!! The supporting characters were fantastic. There is some quintessential Aimee humor in there as well. I laughed, I cried, I sighed and there were a few times when I literally just held my breath! Rush and Linc ❤️!! I absolutely loved it!
February 15, 2018
Incredibly beautiful
Second wind was such a beautiful story I loved it so much
Lincoln and rush stole my heart from the moment I met them
It was such a amazing journey to follow their were so many feelings in this story I felt everything that Lincoln and rush was going through and felt
I laughed I cried I fell I love with these two incredible men
I followed everything and felt everything Lincoln and rush shared with us love loss reconnection heartbreak
Will they get their second chance or will the past be too much to get over and make them stronger or will it break them
Second wind was such a wonderful beautiful written story that has you hooked from beginning to end
Second wind was such a beautiful story I loved it so much
Lincoln and rush stole my heart from the moment I met them
It was such a amazing journey to follow their were so many feelings in this story I felt everything that Lincoln and rush was going through and felt
I laughed I cried I fell I love with these two incredible men
I followed everything and felt everything Lincoln and rush shared with us love loss reconnection heartbreak
Will they get their second chance or will the past be too much to get over and make them stronger or will it break them
Second wind was such a wonderful beautiful written story that has you hooked from beginning to end
September 9, 2020
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY
This is a beautiful tragic story of settling. Rush and Lincoln were best friends growing up in a very small town. Their love would never be. At graduation they went separate ways to live the lives of regret. They packed their love in boxes to gather dust of the things you just can't throw away. A chance meeting will give them new hopes and dreams. I loved this book. It was written with such love and care. Of course it had me laughing out loud at times, THAT is the beauty of this Author. She immerses you in the emotion of the characters and then has tears of laughter running down your face. Thank You for this touching, beautiful story. I enjoyed it so much. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
This is a beautiful tragic story of settling. Rush and Lincoln were best friends growing up in a very small town. Their love would never be. At graduation they went separate ways to live the lives of regret. They packed their love in boxes to gather dust of the things you just can't throw away. A chance meeting will give them new hopes and dreams. I loved this book. It was written with such love and care. Of course it had me laughing out loud at times, THAT is the beauty of this Author. She immerses you in the emotion of the characters and then has tears of laughter running down your face. Thank You for this touching, beautiful story. I enjoyed it so much. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
October 26, 2020
Do not read this book unless you want to end up crying like a baby with snot running off your nose, your eyes all red and puffy and struggling to breathe though racked with uncontrollable sobs.
I kid you not.
I had to hide under a throw on the sofa so that my partner wouldn't see me in this state.
All top management at Kleenex are getting bonuses this year thanks to me.
But I loved this book regardless of my tears.
I hurt and felt both Lincoln's and Rush's pain and loss.
My heart shattered with theirs.
I give this book 5 soggy tissues.
Aimee Nicole Walker, you broke me down and built me back up. How do you do it time and time again?
I kid you not.
I had to hide under a throw on the sofa so that my partner wouldn't see me in this state.
All top management at Kleenex are getting bonuses this year thanks to me.
But I loved this book regardless of my tears.
I hurt and felt both Lincoln's and Rush's pain and loss.
My heart shattered with theirs.
I give this book 5 soggy tissues.
Aimee Nicole Walker, you broke me down and built me back up. How do you do it time and time again?
July 22, 2018
I enjoyed this second chance at love story. Initially, I was a bit frustrated that the reunion didn't happen until 48% of the book, but once Lincoln and Rush got back together, it was sweet and very romantic. Sometimes it was almost too sweet with everything falling perfectly into place but after 26 years without each other, I think Lincoln and Rush deserved all the love and support they got from their families and friends. The Polaroid pictures at the beginning of each chapter also brought something extra to the story.
October 14, 2022
This was a bit too simple and too fluffy? Like how everything came together and how easy it was? I think this needed a little bit of angst and please can we skip the sex with others part? I hate seeing it/reading it no matter if it's happening on page or off page or if it's the mcs thinking about sex with others. It's such a big pet peeve of mine. Anyways, this was okay and I liked it so 3 stars...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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