Big Man's Second Chance

Big Men #5

by Penny Wylder

Football star. Massive body. Big smile. Big... everything.

That's the guy I fooled around with in college and never expected to see again.

Years later, and there he is, the famous football pro. He strolls back into my life with his deliciously huge body crammed into a suit that looks ready to split apart.

Knowing he remembers me is shocking enough, but then he tells me hasn't been able to get me out of his head. Me? Seriously?

If it sounds too good to be true, it's because it is. No matter how many different ways he tries to mess with my heart, his agenda is a cruel one: he needs me to pretend to be his college-sweetheart turned fiance. It's all a media stunt.

Except... AJ isn't acting like it's fake. His eyes burn for me, his words tangle in my heart and soul... and I swear there's truth in the way he holds me close for a lingering kiss.

Is this one big game, or is it the biggest second chance at love I'll ever get?

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Second Chance, Sports, Novella

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2020

Reviews

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: AJ and Claire

Romance genre: second chance romance
Part of a series: Yes (Big Men series)
Length: 99 pages

Plot: Claire and AJ are both at a college party. AJ has had a crush on Claire forever, but he doesn't think she even knows who he is. Then she comes onto him, he takes her upstairs, and they blow each others' minds. Then she takes off. When he chases after her, she puts him down in front of everyone - calls him a "dumb fuck." So that's that. Until years later, he fronts the money for her medical clinic. He still wants her. Can she get over herself so that they can have a relationship?

Character development: I don't think I've ever read a book where I thought the h was such a jerk! What she did - there was o reason for it, other than her own preconceived notions of what jocks were like. Nothing happened to her or people close to her. There was no campaign or bet.. She just went and slept with a jock and tore him down. And when they get together the second time, she's still cold, in my opinion. I'm not sure what AJ saw in her. He was an absolute doll, and she was damn lucky she caught his eye, as far as I was concerned.

Would I read more from this author/in this series: probably not. I disliked Claire that much.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a runner and he is not giving up

Big Man's Second Chance by Penny Wylder is part of the Big Men series. It is the story of Claire Alverez and AJ Hargrove.
AJ and Claire went to university together where they were in very different groups. Claire was pre-med and very focused on her courses and her career. AJ was one of the star football players as he always knew exactly where the football was going when the quarterback threw it.
AJ fell for Claire at the start of their freshman year when he was helping a friend move into a dorm and he spotted her moving in also. Even as he tried over the years to get her to talk to him she would not. It was not until their junior year that she finally took notice, or more like zeroed in on him, one night at a celebration party at his frat house after winning a game. That night AJ finally got what he wanted, Claire in him bed, and it was everything and more than he ever imagined. That night AJ rocked Claire's world, well just about ripped it in two and ruined it for all other men. But things did not turn out the way AJ had imagined as Claire immediately jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs. AJ had wanted so much more but she has just wanted one thing from him and once she got it she was gone. After that AJ tried to talk with Claire but she ignored him and he got no where with her.
It is now eight years later and Claire is just starting her new job running the Hope Center clinic in Chicago. She has worked hard over the last eight years to finally get her and she is excited and nervous. AJ in the meantime went on to a very successful NFL career. But he has remained a really good guy, giving back to his community and his fans. One of his legacy projects is starting and funding the Hope Center. It is not until the opening celebrations that Claire finally learns who the funder is when he walks in........AJ.
Now that AJ has Claire back in his sights will he be able to convince her that he is not who she thought he was? What will Claire do when AJ walks in and makes her head swim?

I really enjoyed this book. The story-line held my attention and the characters were well developed and had an amazing chemistry. I did want to knock some sense into Claire a few times but it was AJ that held my heart, as he was just patient and slowly worked his way into Claire's

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Mans Second Chance by Penny Wylder is a fast paced,captivating,heartwarming,hot and steamy romance story of AJ and Claire... AJ is a famous football pro,rich with a heart of gold and been inlove with one woman sice his freshman year in college..Claire is a gorgeous,shy,nerdy and now a Doctor..AJ and Claire had an history together,theyve hooked up in college but at that time Claire heared a lot of rumor about AJ being a player and a jock so before he hurt her shes the one whos going to do it first..no distruction,she focust to her goal to finish her study to be a doctor..Now Aj is a successful NFL player and philanthropist but he felt some emptiness and the one woman he want is always on his mind,now years later he still follow her and know that shes also a succesful doctor.now he had a chance to reconnect with her..Claire a succeful Doctor. . But she never could forget that one night she shared with AJ and the way she threated him and until now she regret it..And now she is in charge to the clinic that AJ funded and after all this years they both attracted to each other and spend a night together and when the media founf out he asked her to pretend to be his college-sweetheart turned fiance..Except.. its not acting anymore when their heart and soul is involve..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable for the most part. The characters were interesting and likable, kinda. I'm not sure that I ended up liking Claire for her - meaning her character and her character's reactions. I totally wanted to smack Claire upside the head for the way she treated AJ. I know that I liked Claire for how happy she made AJ when she finally stopped treating him like a booty call and started treating him like someone she loved. AJ was awesome right from the beginning. He was so sweet. I totally want to keep him. He didn't deserve the way that Claire treated him or the crud she said about him. AJ never did anything to Claire that she didn't ask him to do. He was absolutely wonderful. He wanted to give back to his community and he wanted Claire to be involved because of her dedication to her field. Regardless of the way that Claire treated him, he still thought about her. Claire thought about him too over the years that they were separated but never really thought about how she hurt him until he came back into her life. AJ was totally worth reading this story for! I loved the happy ever after that AJ and Claire got (mainly AJ!) because it was hard-won. I do recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ first saw Claire when she was a freshman in college and was attracted to the pre med student but they finally met at party several years later but she left suddenly after they had sex referring to him as a big dumb jock. 8 years later she is at the opening of the Hope Clinic where she is in charge and finds out that the clinic was funded by AJ, now a famous pro football player. He is still attracted to her but after finding out that he funded the clinic for her she runs out on him again. However, the press finds out about their night together and they are forced to pretend they are engaged to avoid bad publicity. Will Claire finally admit her feelings for AJ and can they build a lasting relationship?

I enjoyed this shorter story of one time lovers who reconnect after 8 years. The author did a great job showing what a good person AJ had become and how he still had feelings for Claire. She tried to fight her attraction but they seemed to be drawn together. The epilogue was a great ending for their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Claire met each other in college. She was pre-med and she referred to the star football player as a jock. When they hook up at a party years later, she leaves him after their time together in some sort of ludicrous attempt to hurt him before he can hurt her.

Eight years later, as Claire attends the opening of the Hope Clinic, she learns the clinic was funded by AJ, who is now a famous pro football player. He has loved her from the first time he saw her, and he still felt the same. So once again, she runs out on him. But with the press snooping into everything, they now need to make sure there is no negative publicity generated. So they pretend a fake engagement. Will he convince her that his love is real? Will she come to her senses and see that loving him is something she can trust?

This was a sweet story, but I didn’t really connect well with Claire. AJ didn’t deserve her treatment. The story line is good and well-paced. Grab your copy and see if AJ can convince Claire that he can make her happy.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Wylder is predictable, only in terms of knowing you are about to be gifted with a well-written, well-crafted story with wonderful characters when you pick up one of her books. Admittedly, in Big Man's Second Chance, it took me a little while to warm up to Claire, the female lead. But I think that is because she is such a strong, independent, focused woman that has not allowed herself the warmth of a relationship get in the way of getting to where she is - and that is commendable. Fortunately, she has AJ. The alpha football player-cum-philanthropist with the panty-melting smile and honest-to-God torch he has been carrying for his woman since freshman year of college. When these two are reunited 8 years after their one-night stand in junior year, the chemistry is still there - so palpable that we, the readers, can almost see our Kindles melting. There is no straight path for Claire and AJ, but boy is the winding journey a hell of a fun ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of second chances. Claire is working hard on college she wants to be a doctor one night after a football game Claire goes to a frat party.AJ sees the girl of his dreams an she's looking at him.After they go to his room having the best sex of their lives Claire jumps up gets dressed an leaves AJ follows when he heard her say she had sex with a dumb jock wounding him deeply.She also saves a guy from dying by using the method of hands under ribs with up work thrust an out plus what he had lodged in his throat.When Claire is picked to run a free clinic that will never turn away a patient.But finding out AJ is the big donor she knows he probably hates her she felt bad about what she did to him.She's heard that the jocks were taking women to bed then bragging about it but she never heard anything about A.J. Now years later a successful football player he's never found a woman like Claire can he won her heart this time?This story is full of bu!put rides but I'm the end healing an love win out.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Claire and AJ’s story.

Claire is a hard worker, she was always focused on school and becoming the best Doctor she could be. AJ was a star football player who had made it the NFL. The moment he saw Claire their freshman year he was drawn to her but nothing ever came of it until their junior year and that one moment changed a lot for the both of them….

Flash forward 8 years, Claire and AJ see each other again for the first time since that night their junior year. The chemistry between them is INTENSE and there is no denying it. Claire has tons of walls up and AJ is determined to break through all of them. Their relationship isn’t easy and is full of complications, but together they work through it.

If you love a fast paced, second chance romance with LOADS of insane chemistry this one is a MUST READ!

[Erika Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny is doing a Big Man series and this story is really really good. This story is a journey of discovery yourself and your happy ever after. This story is a little different from Penny Wylder books but was worth every minute of reading. AJ is a junior in college that is a football player. He is so focus on his game that he can't have any distractions especially Claire. AJ is determine, sweet, dream big and not a playboy but is sexy. Claire is a junior in college that studying pre med. She is beautiful, smart, protective of herself, and dream big. When they official meet at the party things turned hot then cold really fast. I love AJ and Claire character growth. The writing was beautifully that every word you soak it up! Amazing work again Penny Wylder 😘!


I receive this ARC for an honest review through Bookfunnel.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I really enjoyed Claire and AJs love story. They were attracted to each other in college and had a hookup. AJ never seemed to get past the girl that got away. She was on his mind through the years while playing football. Years later they met again. Claire is shocked when she learns of his connection to the clinic. She is sure that website is all for the media because there is no way he truly wants her. AJ is determined to get thru to Claire no matter what. He is not letting her get away again. I thought the characters were great together. I was happy that AJ was not what i expected, although I wish he would have not let so many years to by. They deserved a happy future together. I really enjoyed this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Stroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t start out as the typical college athlete romance story goes. The heroine is sassy and almost “uses” the hero in the beginning but you have to learn her backstory and thoughts as you read. This author does a really good job at pulling you in so that your living the characters life’s. Insta love.. when AJ saw her freshmen year he knew she was the one. It was nice to see such a huge man be romantic and thoughtful and he acts not like your cookie cutter jock. The sexual scenes are intense and steamy. Definitely 18+. It’s a second chance romance with the most delicious scenes, that being said if you don’t like those types of scenes in books, don’t read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Big Man series by Penny Wylder. This latest one one is so good. Claire and AJ are a great pair. AJ has had a crush on Claire since freshman year of college and finally gets what he thinks is a chance with her their senior year. Claire is so focused on getting through her classes and becoming a doctor. She and AJ hook up on night and after that they don't see each other for nearly a decade. AJ has never forgot Claire and when they meet again he is determined to win her over. He is a man who knows what he wants and has never strayed this whole time in succeeding. Claire is a driven woman and it takes a bit for her to admit that AJ just might be the best thing that ever happened to her. I found this story very entertaining and the chemistry between them is great. Loved the HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Claire are two that need all the help they can get! He is perceived as a Big Dumb Jock her the aspiring Doctor. Neither knew that getting together would change the rest of their lives. I found Claire to be a bit immature and that she judged AJ before really knowing anything about him. AJ he was a lot like a jock and his perception was also a bit jaded but not anything like Claire. This is a novella length story but it tells a complete story within. Penny has given us all a treat and I think this is a great story. I enjoyed it and will be returning to it when I need a good feel good story with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire has always worked hard and has focused on becoming a doctor. AJ was the football player in college that they were attracted to each other, had one hookup and then she took off. He's became a famous football player and has been thinking of Claire for years. Claire is opening the Hope Clinic that she's in charge of and finds out that AJ has funded the clinic. She runs again but things happen and the press find out so now they have to pretend that they are engaged to avoid bad publicity. Will Claire quit running long enough to find out that she and AJ are perfect for each other? Will she finally see that AJ's fake engagement is real? Will she give them a chance at their HEA? I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings us AJ and Claire. AJ, a college superstar football player has always had a thing for Claire. One night during a party, they hook up together, but Claire leaves right after, leaving AJ confused. They meet again, years later, when AJ helps open up a clinic and knows that she would be the perfect person to help run it. She is shocked when she learns this, however, pictures of the two of them, which would be inappropriate, so they make the decision to fake an engagement. When AJ's football career seems to end, what will Claire do? This is a good read. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ sees Claire freshman year and he has an instant attraction. Then junior year they meet at a party and hook up. She leaves before she can get hurt. Now AJ is an NFL player and she is a doctor. He wants her to pretend to be a couple. She is not sure if she will come out of this with her heart in tact. The way he looks at her and the fact he remembered her has her thinking maybe??? These two people are wonderful the character the way they were written the dialogue between the two. The story flowed and kept me engaged. It was a quick read but well worth reading. I truly enjoyed the book. Penny Wylder does it again. Absolutly fabulous.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet romance. To be honest, I didn’t like Claire at the beginning as I thought she was a bit of a B. I really felt for AJ as he seems really sweet. As the story moves on, I get why Claire as like the she was, and she became more likable. I do adobe AJ though as his devotion is really heart-warming. Claire and AJ have great chemistry together that is super steamy hot. Overall, I really enjoyed this story as it was entertaining and actually quite sweet.

I rate this book 4.5 stars.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion..

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Big Man's Second Chance. Penny Wylder has written another winner with Claire and AJ's story. It's the story of second chances and not judging a book by its cover. They first met in college when AJ is the star of the football team and Claire is studying pre-med. They share a mind blowing night together only for Claire to leave as though it meant nothing. AJ is crushed but 8 years later, he will get his second chance. Claire hasn't forgotten AJ despite her attempts to put their amazing night in the past. She was determined that night to leave before he had the chance to break her heart. Will she give them a second at their HEA?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a fast, fun and sexy story!

I’ve read a few Penny Wylder books and they are my go to for short and sexy reads. This is classic Penny. We get a great story packed into a short amount of pages. It just puts me in a good book place.

AJ and Claire were a one night stand in college. Years later their paths cross and sparks fly again. There’s so much more, but throw in a fake relationship and an attraction that becomes reckless and you got a book!

I loved this couple and enjoyed the story so much. If I had one issue it was how “big” things were. Still, super fun and fast read.

[Lisa]

At first, I don't like Claire. Even later in the story I force myself to try to understand her. I love AJ. He is kind and caring and protective and loving. He is a great guy all around He seems mature from page one and then continues to grow and get better and better and he never gives up
He was never another big, dumb jock. Near the end I grow to like Claire and understand why she does the things she does. I like Carson, AJ's friend, maybe we will get a Carson book. I like the writing and story telling in this book. I think the author has matured in her writing.
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire is a woman set to not need anyone and when she finds AJ the football star. She hurts him before she gets her heart broken. What she did not know was AJ was in love with her from the first time he saw her on campus. Fast forward years and they meet again as her career is taking off and his is ending. Will that heart of ice be broken by the man with the heart of fire to complete her world or will she run the other way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I thought that this was a awesome book. I loved AJ. I thought that he was really sweet. I didn't really care for Claire for more most of the book but when it came sticking up for her and AJ relationship, she won me over completely. I loved chemistry between these two even though Claire was hot and cold a lot. I am really glad that AJ got his second chance with his dream girl. I would recommend this book and Ms. Penny's other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us characters we can care about. AJ has loved Claire since he first saw her, as a college freshman. As juniors, they have a one time thing, but it never leaves their minds. Years later, they have a chance to reconnect but she has put up so many walls that he will have his work cut out for him. We are pulled into their lives and keep turning the pages. just hoping they can each get the happiness they deserve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Spoilers**I love second chance romances . Claire and AJ were hot and steamy from the start. She was mean at first but he was in love with her for two years before actually talking to her and getting together with her in college . Years later after college he was a big football star and helped open a hospital and Claire was a doctor . I don't want to give away the whole story but it was amazing as always . Love it from start to finish . Great Job Penny

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful second chance and sexy romance. AJ and Claire met in college and slept together one. AJ was a football star on the fast track to the NFL and Claire the brilliant pre-med student. Unknown to each other they were both harbouring an attraction and certain feelings for one another. Many years later they reconnect through the clinic AJ is funding and for which Claire is charge of. Their chemistry is undeniable and AJ hopes that this time Claire will stay. Their story is passionate and captivating.
Beautifully written Penny!

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ has had a crush on Claire since freshman year at college. She thought he was a dumb jock that played with women like the others. Junior year they share a 1 night stand, but she runs afraid of being hurt. Eight yrs later she sees him again. He's the funder behind the new Hope Center Clinic. He recommended her to the board to run it, to be closer to her and have a 2nd chance to show her, he's not a dumb jock. He loves her. Will she let down her walls and give him that chance? Loved the ending!!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ and Claire have a hot hookup in college. She is so scared of her feelings she hurts AJ. Years later she find out her new clinic is funded by AJ. They are drawn to each other. When they are caught by the paparazzi they fake an engagement. Claire and AJ start to inch toward love. They both have feeling they are afraid to admit to. This was honestly not my favorite Penny Wylder book. It was was an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story abut AJ and Claire. Written in the dual, first person point of view, which is a deal breaker for me, this one is another win from this author. They met in college, had a good time and now years later they meet again and AJ is looking at Claire like no time has passed.
I liked the story, especially AJ, but I have to admit I hated Claire at the beginning she was being a bitch to AJ. Amazing story, though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Wylder is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are beautiful and passionate. Rich in detail with a delicious balance of plenty of steamy scenes to leave your kindle satisfied. Last but not least the leading men in her stories like Aj are the perfect excuse for using “Big Man’s Second Chance” for date night along with a delicious glass of wine. Perfect for romance fans this book is sure to leave the reader satisfied while in the end grinning from ear to ear.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.