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Second Chances
Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she’s back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams…and her adult fantasies.
Jude can’t believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She’s gotten under his skin like no other woman has…and brings out secret desires he can’t resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.
Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she’s in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he’s lost his chance forever…
THIS IS A REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION FROM THE ORIGINAL 2005 VERSION.
Jude can’t believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She’s gotten under his skin like no other woman has…and brings out secret desires he can’t resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.
Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she’s in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he’s lost his chance forever…
THIS IS A REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION FROM THE ORIGINAL 2005 VERSION.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2010
80 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books4,998 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 25, 2010
‘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 head was spinning and my patience was wearing thin.
My biggest problem with this book was a feeling that Lauren Dane wasn’t wholly committing to the storyline. Let me see if I can adequately explain my issues...
In high school Rori was a slightly pudgy too-tall girl with acne. Her sister, Kelly, was the beautiful head-cheerleader and dated Max, the school’s football star. Rori’s mother constantly berated her ‘lesser’ daughter for her looks and as a result Rori had self-esteem issues. But at the same time Rori was treated well by all the local boys who regarded her as a little sister. Even the town’s hottie/bad-boy, Jude Callahan, took time to have deep and meaningful conversations with Rori.
As much as Rori seems to have built up her awkward high school phase, I just wasn’t buying her ‘woe is me’ memories. It’s not like she was a social piranha – especially because the hottest guys in town did talk to her, and did know that she existed (even if it was only as Kelly’s little sister). I went into this book thinking it would be a novel of redemption and rooting for the underdog. I thought Rori would be like a modern-day Carrie, if Carrie was returning to Bates High School after the pig-blood incident with a fabulous new body, new attitude and was going to make Billy Nolan salivate over her.
Umm.... no.
My first problem with the story was Dane’s inability to form an emotional connection with her readers. I know that in erotica, readers are willing to forgive a lot, like outlandish plots and cardboard characters, but the one necessary constant in all erotica is the ability to draw your readers into the emotional side of things. If I wanted to read straight-up smut I’d crack open a Playboy. Erotica has to be a little more sensitive, and to do that we need somewhat plausible feelings and emotional actions from characters. I didn’t get that from Rori.
There are a few references made to Rori’s cheating ex whom she left behind in Paris after catching him in bed with their dog-walker. But there are no scenes of Rori crying into a tub of ice-cream. She has literally arrived in Oakley days after having caught her boyfriend cheating, and she is fine and dandy. She lived with this man, has had to move half-way across the world to get away from him.... but she’s fine. She and Kelly have no heart-to-heart about the ex, and Rori is quick to enter the Oakley dating circuit.
I did think that the cheating ex was a cheap ploy on Dane’s behalf to trigger Rori’s trip home. And I felt right in this assumption when Rori started chasing Jude Callahan...
Jude is the town bad-boy who Rori crushed on in high school... her, and every other girl in Oakley. Jude is a self-proclaimed womanizer and unremorseful about his hearty bedroom activities. On the day that Rori moves back to Oakley, Jude is making his moves... Rori knows that Jude doesn’t do commitment, and will be seeing several other girls on the side. But she’s okay with that;
Instead, she shrugged. “I don’t want to save Jude from himself. I want to date someone, not redeem them. I like Jude, I always have, but I know what he is and how he operates. I’m going into this with full self-respect, as well as an understanding that he views me like every other woman. I know we’re all interchangeable to him. He loves *women*, but not any particular woman. If I don’t remember that, I’ll end up hurt and I've been there, done that. Don’t want the Tshirt.
Yeah, I wasn’t buying that one bit.
Rori has just relocated country’s to get away from her cheating partner and now she is back home for a day and willingly offers herself to the town bicycle? I don’t think so. Even without scenes revealing Rori’s tender emotions over her recent break-up, I found it hard to believe that she would so openly and happily start pursuing Jude Callahan, in spite of his womanizing reputation (of which he is *proud*).
The second thing that bugged me about ‘Second Chances’ was the late introduction of a major character. You’re a good portion into the book when Rori decides to cast Jude’s womanizing butt aside and start pursuing her best friend’s little brother, Zach Helm. In Zach Rori discovers her submissive side and the two fall in love over rope-play. Jude is hardly mentioned again, except for his passing feelings of infatuation and growing love for unattainable Rori in the aftermath of their break-up.
Okay... around about here things get really curve-bally and mind-boggling (considering this is a fun bit of erotica).
** SPOILERS **
Zach and Rori fall in love, get married, blah, blah, blah and then BAM! Zach dies. Yep. I am 80% through this e-book and things take a turn for the ‘WTF?’
This is all especially disheartening because I really liked Zach and thought that his and Rori’s sex scenes were H-O-T. I thought this was going to be a smokin’ bit of fun reading and then the (second) main love interest DIES and suddenly my previous complaint of ‘not enough emotional connection’ turns into ‘stop heaping all this depressing stuff on me!’.
** END SPOILERS **
I was not impressed with this book one bit. Dane writes translucent plot triggers, emotionally unbelievable storylines and half-hearted characterization.... and then tops it all off with a depressingly random twist right in the middle. The sex is hot, but doesn’t make up for the emotional battery half-way through.
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 head was spinning and my patience was wearing thin.
My biggest problem with this book was a feeling that Lauren Dane wasn’t wholly committing to the storyline. Let me see if I can adequately explain my issues...
In high school Rori was a slightly pudgy too-tall girl with acne. Her sister, Kelly, was the beautiful head-cheerleader and dated Max, the school’s football star. Rori’s mother constantly berated her ‘lesser’ daughter for her looks and as a result Rori had self-esteem issues. But at the same time Rori was treated well by all the local boys who regarded her as a little sister. Even the town’s hottie/bad-boy, Jude Callahan, took time to have deep and meaningful conversations with Rori.
As much as Rori seems to have built up her awkward high school phase, I just wasn’t buying her ‘woe is me’ memories. It’s not like she was a social piranha – especially because the hottest guys in town did talk to her, and did know that she existed (even if it was only as Kelly’s little sister). I went into this book thinking it would be a novel of redemption and rooting for the underdog. I thought Rori would be like a modern-day Carrie, if Carrie was returning to Bates High School after the pig-blood incident with a fabulous new body, new attitude and was going to make Billy Nolan salivate over her.
Umm.... no.
My first problem with the story was Dane’s inability to form an emotional connection with her readers. I know that in erotica, readers are willing to forgive a lot, like outlandish plots and cardboard characters, but the one necessary constant in all erotica is the ability to draw your readers into the emotional side of things. If I wanted to read straight-up smut I’d crack open a Playboy. Erotica has to be a little more sensitive, and to do that we need somewhat plausible feelings and emotional actions from characters. I didn’t get that from Rori.
There are a few references made to Rori’s cheating ex whom she left behind in Paris after catching him in bed with their dog-walker. But there are no scenes of Rori crying into a tub of ice-cream. She has literally arrived in Oakley days after having caught her boyfriend cheating, and she is fine and dandy. She lived with this man, has had to move half-way across the world to get away from him.... but she’s fine. She and Kelly have no heart-to-heart about the ex, and Rori is quick to enter the Oakley dating circuit.
I did think that the cheating ex was a cheap ploy on Dane’s behalf to trigger Rori’s trip home. And I felt right in this assumption when Rori started chasing Jude Callahan...
Jude is the town bad-boy who Rori crushed on in high school... her, and every other girl in Oakley. Jude is a self-proclaimed womanizer and unremorseful about his hearty bedroom activities. On the day that Rori moves back to Oakley, Jude is making his moves... Rori knows that Jude doesn’t do commitment, and will be seeing several other girls on the side. But she’s okay with that;
Instead, she shrugged. “I don’t want to save Jude from himself. I want to date someone, not redeem them. I like Jude, I always have, but I know what he is and how he operates. I’m going into this with full self-respect, as well as an understanding that he views me like every other woman. I know we’re all interchangeable to him. He loves *women*, but not any particular woman. If I don’t remember that, I’ll end up hurt and I've been there, done that. Don’t want the Tshirt.
Yeah, I wasn’t buying that one bit.
Rori has just relocated country’s to get away from her cheating partner and now she is back home for a day and willingly offers herself to the town bicycle? I don’t think so. Even without scenes revealing Rori’s tender emotions over her recent break-up, I found it hard to believe that she would so openly and happily start pursuing Jude Callahan, in spite of his womanizing reputation (of which he is *proud*).
The second thing that bugged me about ‘Second Chances’ was the late introduction of a major character. You’re a good portion into the book when Rori decides to cast Jude’s womanizing butt aside and start pursuing her best friend’s little brother, Zach Helm. In Zach Rori discovers her submissive side and the two fall in love over rope-play. Jude is hardly mentioned again, except for his passing feelings of infatuation and growing love for unattainable Rori in the aftermath of their break-up.
Okay... around about here things get really curve-bally and mind-boggling (considering this is a fun bit of erotica).
** SPOILERS **
Zach and Rori fall in love, get married, blah, blah, blah and then BAM! Zach dies. Yep. I am 80% through this e-book and things take a turn for the ‘WTF?’
This is all especially disheartening because I really liked Zach and thought that his and Rori’s sex scenes were H-O-T. I thought this was going to be a smokin’ bit of fun reading and then the (second) main love interest DIES and suddenly my previous complaint of ‘not enough emotional connection’ turns into ‘stop heaping all this depressing stuff on me!’.
** END SPOILERS **
I was not impressed with this book one bit. Dane writes translucent plot triggers, emotionally unbelievable storylines and half-hearted characterization.... and then tops it all off with a depressingly random twist right in the middle. The sex is hot, but doesn’t make up for the emotional battery half-way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2012
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.
December 16, 2011
Wow! What an emotional ride. For a book I wasn't to sure about, I ended up loving this heartwrenching, emotional, tantalizing, and very captivating story.
April 24, 2012
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;-)
A big thank you to Karla for suggesting I read this. She was right....as usual;-)
September 26, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
January 30, 2011
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.
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.
May 28, 2013
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I ended up going with four and here is why. The love scenes in this book were HOT! The chemistry was HOT! The dialogue was great, the characters were well developed and the story line was good.
What I didn't like: The plot moved forward a little too fast in the beginning making some of the encounters and relationships seem unrealistic. Then, when things should have sped up, they slowed down.
I absolutely adored Jude in all of his man-whore ways. Jude was the guy that Rori always fantasized about. He was the unattainable bad boy in high school. Rori is all grown up now and Jude is still a complete womanizer. He is now a cop and on the right side of the law but frequently ends up on the wrong side of the bed.
Rori was that girl in High School, the one who the guys liked as a "friend". She was a little overweight, wore glasses, was a little too nerdy, and she was not the most attractive. She has grown up and is now a curvy woman and her nerdy personality has landed her a top notch degree and a best selling author job. Rori is coming off a two year relationship that ended very badly. She has decided to come home and live near her sister and her family.
Rori rolls into town and all heads turn her way. She is now a smoking hot successful woman and has men chasing after her immediately, including Jude.
"Sweet, shy Rori had had her fucking hotness coming-out party."- Jude
Jude has his chance but will he blow it? Because if he does, there is another dark horse in the running, Zach Helm sees Rori for exactly what she is, a born submissive in the bedroom. Zach is more than willing to take the reins where Rori is concerned, and with Zach he is playing for keeps. Jude may be in it just to play the game... unless he can pull his head out of his ass long enough to see what an amazing woman Rori is.
"There was a freedom from being bound that way; she was able to give herself to the experience and let him make the choices."- Rori
So all in all this was a great book with a great story line. It just felt like parts of it were missing. There was multi-POV narrative so you get to see what all of the main characters are going through.
4 Steamy Stars!
What I didn't like: The plot moved forward a little too fast in the beginning making some of the encounters and relationships seem unrealistic. Then, when things should have sped up, they slowed down.
I absolutely adored Jude in all of his man-whore ways. Jude was the guy that Rori always fantasized about. He was the unattainable bad boy in high school. Rori is all grown up now and Jude is still a complete womanizer. He is now a cop and on the right side of the law but frequently ends up on the wrong side of the bed.
Rori was that girl in High School, the one who the guys liked as a "friend". She was a little overweight, wore glasses, was a little too nerdy, and she was not the most attractive. She has grown up and is now a curvy woman and her nerdy personality has landed her a top notch degree and a best selling author job. Rori is coming off a two year relationship that ended very badly. She has decided to come home and live near her sister and her family.
Rori rolls into town and all heads turn her way. She is now a smoking hot successful woman and has men chasing after her immediately, including Jude.
"Sweet, shy Rori had had her fucking hotness coming-out party."- Jude
Jude has his chance but will he blow it? Because if he does, there is another dark horse in the running, Zach Helm sees Rori for exactly what she is, a born submissive in the bedroom. Zach is more than willing to take the reins where Rori is concerned, and with Zach he is playing for keeps. Jude may be in it just to play the game... unless he can pull his head out of his ass long enough to see what an amazing woman Rori is.
"There was a freedom from being bound that way; she was able to give herself to the experience and let him make the choices."- Rori
So all in all this was a great book with a great story line. It just felt like parts of it were missing. There was multi-POV narrative so you get to see what all of the main characters are going through.
4 Steamy Stars!
October 15, 2009
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2010
Rori is back at home looking and feeling great. She has come a long way from the shy, fat girl from high school. Not only has she shed the pounds but she has gain the self confidence that she needs. She has always crushed on Jude, the local bad boy and now he wants a chance with her. They start seeing one another but Jude is not the type of guy to settle down with one guy. Feeling a bit crushed from his womanizing ways, Rori moves onto Zach (her best friend's brother) and a hot and steamy affair takes place.
This is where the problem occurs. At first, I became invested in Jude. Yes, he didn't know how to deal with his emotions and he had some issues but I believed he cared for Rori. Then she throws Zach in real quick and I eventually warmed up to him. Their sex scenes were HOT! She becomes his sub and they get their happily ever after.
Then once I became focused on Zach, bam he dies! So now Jude is there to step up and take over. The process is slow but he eventually win Rori over.
That's the problem. There was two love stories in this short story and it was not fleshed out enough. I had a hard time at the end believing how sincere Jude was when it came to Zach's death because they had tension for a while because of Rori. Not to mention, Jude tells Zach that he loves her and Zach is like "I know but she is mine. But hey, just in case something happens, take care of her. You know what she needs." Uh??? That's not a realistic response when your adversary tells you he loves your girl. I didn't like how that all went down.
This is where the problem occurs. At first, I became invested in Jude. Yes, he didn't know how to deal with his emotions and he had some issues but I believed he cared for Rori. Then she throws Zach in real quick and I eventually warmed up to him. Their sex scenes were HOT! She becomes his sub and they get their happily ever after.
Then once I became focused on Zach, bam he dies! So now Jude is there to step up and take over. The process is slow but he eventually win Rori over.
That's the problem. There was two love stories in this short story and it was not fleshed out enough. I had a hard time at the end believing how sincere Jude was when it came to Zach's death because they had tension for a while because of Rori. Not to mention, Jude tells Zach that he loves her and Zach is like "I know but she is mine. But hey, just in case something happens, take care of her. You know what she needs." Uh??? That's not a realistic response when your adversary tells you he loves your girl. I didn't like how that all went down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2010
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 journey but I didn't FEEL Rori got the ending happily. I mean the words were there that there was happiness but the entire book I was so intune with Rori's feelings and then at the end I felt I lost her. It wasn't convicing enough to me that she was truely happy and I so wanted her to in that happy place. I think if the end chapters had more elaboration between Rori and Jude I would have been there.
Zach - where to start with Zach. I am in love with Zach. There that is all I am saying. I don't want to spoil this amazing read for anyone so that is all I am saying. Ok other than Zach is like my dream man.
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 journey but I didn't FEEL Rori got the ending happily. I mean the words were there that there was happiness but the entire book I was so intune with Rori's feelings and then at the end I felt I lost her. It wasn't convicing enough to me that she was truely happy and I so wanted her to in that happy place. I think if the end chapters had more elaboration between Rori and Jude I would have been there.
Zach - where to start with Zach. I am in love with Zach. There that is all I am saying. I don't want to spoil this amazing read for anyone so that is all I am saying. Ok other than Zach is like my dream man.
December 5, 2010
I loved this novella from Lauren Dane. I have not read a ton by Dane, just her Brown Siblings Series. This one was a nice departure.
Rori Simon decides to move back home after leaving ten years before to go to school and find herself. Once a shy, sweet, homely girl Rori is now confident, independent and beautiful.
Rori is quickly thrust back into life in a small town with her family and she is looking to make Jude Callahan, her childhood crush hers. Jude is a lady's man, but quickly recognizes that Rori is special and that they could have the sexual and intimate relationship they both desire. One reason why Rori moved back home was that her ex cheated on her. She vowed that would never happen again and she would have men chase her on her own terms in the future. She believed this could extend to Jude, even though he was a lady's man.
Their relationship quickly heats up, but Jude messes up what they have. She ends their relationship only for him then to realize that she is the one for him and that he loves her. Talk about a swift kick in the gut or rather heart.
Rori meets Zach, the perfect man. He worships her, loves her, and teaches her what she wants in a Dom/sub relationship. The two fall even more madly in love in and out of the bedroom. Their sheets were constantly on fire.
The two decide to marry. Building a wonderful life together. A huge twist is thrown in the plot. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but I cried and cried. And cried some more.
Jude is a constant presence in the periphery of Rori's life. He is able to get past his anger, assess what he needs, and becomes a very dear and close friend to Rori again. I am very glad that Jude was redeemable.
This story is really about second chances in life and love. I recommend this one to any one who like a good heart felt story with steamy sex. I cannot wait for the sequel, Believe. A word of warning, do not read the blurb for Believe until you are finished with Second Chances. Spoilers will be present.
*Warning, this story contains mild BDSM with the focus on Dom/sub situations, blind folds, ropes, cuffs, oral, anal, spanking, smoking hot sex.
The song "All you wanted" by Sounds Under Radio featuring Alison Sudol reminds me of Rori's relationship with Zach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40fcCj...
Rori Simon decides to move back home after leaving ten years before to go to school and find herself. Once a shy, sweet, homely girl Rori is now confident, independent and beautiful.
Rori is quickly thrust back into life in a small town with her family and she is looking to make Jude Callahan, her childhood crush hers. Jude is a lady's man, but quickly recognizes that Rori is special and that they could have the sexual and intimate relationship they both desire. One reason why Rori moved back home was that her ex cheated on her. She vowed that would never happen again and she would have men chase her on her own terms in the future. She believed this could extend to Jude, even though he was a lady's man.
Their relationship quickly heats up, but Jude messes up what they have. She ends their relationship only for him then to realize that she is the one for him and that he loves her. Talk about a swift kick in the gut or rather heart.
Rori meets Zach, the perfect man. He worships her, loves her, and teaches her what she wants in a Dom/sub relationship. The two fall even more madly in love in and out of the bedroom. Their sheets were constantly on fire.
The two decide to marry. Building a wonderful life together. A huge twist is thrown in the plot. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but I cried and cried. And cried some more.
Jude is a constant presence in the periphery of Rori's life. He is able to get past his anger, assess what he needs, and becomes a very dear and close friend to Rori again. I am very glad that Jude was redeemable.
This story is really about second chances in life and love. I recommend this one to any one who like a good heart felt story with steamy sex. I cannot wait for the sequel, Believe. A word of warning, do not read the blurb for Believe until you are finished with Second Chances. Spoilers will be present.
*Warning, this story contains mild BDSM with the focus on Dom/sub situations, blind folds, ropes, cuffs, oral, anal, spanking, smoking hot sex.
The song "All you wanted" by Sounds Under Radio featuring Alison Sudol reminds me of Rori's relationship with Zach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40fcCj...
December 17, 2010
This was an excellent erotic romance story, again very well written by Ms. Dane. She always manages to create characters that you get attached to and seem very real, while weaving an intricate and very emotional web that is their lives.
And this book was definetely no exception. It is emotionally charged, had me in tears, it's also got some funny parts. It describes the day to day lives of the characters involved perfectly.
Let me start with the heroine. I really liked her. She was the shy, awkward, geeky, not-so-attractive girl in school that people used to be mean to and bother, with an older sister who was exactly the opposite, head cheerleader, married her high school sweetheart and had 2 kids. But instead of letting all that bring her down and affect her life, she moved away, got her degree from the college she wanted, lived overseas, became a writer, and rediscovered herself.
She comes back to town and we see her interaction with her family (sister, brother-in-law, nephews, mother and stepfather) which was also very real. She always had a crush on Jude growing up (the town's bad boy and her brother-in-law's brother) who is now a cop and now that she's back he seems very interested in her. Problem is, he's still a playboy.
I really liked Jude at the beginning, I was rooting for him to change his ways and get the girl. And when all of a sudden Zach comes in the picture, who I have to say I really liked, Jude's chances fall apart. It's really sad to watch him go through the realization that he is in love with Rori, only to figure it out too late, after she moved on with Zach.
I had no problem seeing her relationship with Zach develop. He seemed to appreciate her, to immediately want to know more about her, and he also seemed to understand her needs. Their relationship was just so sweet, the only thing that was ruining it for me was that I knew what was going to happen from reading it online before.
I cried so much last night after the "event" that changes things, I couldn't finish the book and had to do it this morning.
The only problem I had with it was that by the time Jude gets his second chance I felt there was a piece of the building relationship missing between the two of them.
Other than that is a great book, but it does have a lot of BDSM (not too extreme) so if you're into that, you may want to reconsider.
And this book was definetely no exception. It is emotionally charged, had me in tears, it's also got some funny parts. It describes the day to day lives of the characters involved perfectly.
Let me start with the heroine. I really liked her. She was the shy, awkward, geeky, not-so-attractive girl in school that people used to be mean to and bother, with an older sister who was exactly the opposite, head cheerleader, married her high school sweetheart and had 2 kids. But instead of letting all that bring her down and affect her life, she moved away, got her degree from the college she wanted, lived overseas, became a writer, and rediscovered herself.
She comes back to town and we see her interaction with her family (sister, brother-in-law, nephews, mother and stepfather) which was also very real. She always had a crush on Jude growing up (the town's bad boy and her brother-in-law's brother) who is now a cop and now that she's back he seems very interested in her. Problem is, he's still a playboy.
I really liked Jude at the beginning, I was rooting for him to change his ways and get the girl. And when all of a sudden Zach comes in the picture, who I have to say I really liked, Jude's chances fall apart. It's really sad to watch him go through the realization that he is in love with Rori, only to figure it out too late, after she moved on with Zach.
I had no problem seeing her relationship with Zach develop. He seemed to appreciate her, to immediately want to know more about her, and he also seemed to understand her needs. Their relationship was just so sweet, the only thing that was ruining it for me was that I knew what was going to happen from reading it online before.
I cried so much last night after the "event" that changes things, I couldn't finish the book and had to do it this morning.
The only problem I had with it was that by the time Jude gets his second chance I felt there was a piece of the building relationship missing between the two of them.
Other than that is a great book, but it does have a lot of BDSM (not too extreme) so if you're into that, you may want to reconsider.
December 1, 2010
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 Nookie Reviews
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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 Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
December 2, 2010
What a great emotional story. I bawled and bawled towards the end that I could hardly see to read. I loved that the heroine Rori was a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants and speaks her mind. I also loved Zack and even though Jude was a womanizing asshole in the beginning, it was great to see his transformation at the end.
I can't wait to read Believe.
I can't wait to read Believe.
November 29, 2012
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2011
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 him too bad bucko, you wasted your chance.
Zack was perfect for her, he was kind, trusted himself and knew what he wanted. I loved that he quietly and calmly sat down explained the BDSM life sytle to her and said how important it was to him. He might have known Rori was a sub, but she had to figure that out for herself too. I also loved that he wasn't so over the top. He would mess up and Rori would rip him a new one and he would get it and see where he went wrong and not make that mistake again.
When the accident happened I was tearing up, like Rori I couldn't quite believe that this was happening. I liked how realistic her fight back to a life without Zack was, it didn't happen over night. She spent a lot of time grieving, there was a lot of one step forward, two steps back. It was only at this time that something happened that I didn't believe could, Jude was able to redeem himself with Rori and myself. He was a great friend, and if things never went any farther he would have still been a great friend. I did liked that with his everyday actions Jude was quietly able to win back Rori's affection.
It isn't often that a story can do what this one did, it spans a big time period, over 3 years, and essentially goes through 3 love interests, even though 1 of them was twice. That is a lot of ground to cover and cover it well. Make sure to check this one out.
Zack was perfect for her, he was kind, trusted himself and knew what he wanted. I loved that he quietly and calmly sat down explained the BDSM life sytle to her and said how important it was to him. He might have known Rori was a sub, but she had to figure that out for herself too. I also loved that he wasn't so over the top. He would mess up and Rori would rip him a new one and he would get it and see where he went wrong and not make that mistake again.
When the accident happened I was tearing up, like Rori I couldn't quite believe that this was happening. I liked how realistic her fight back to a life without Zack was, it didn't happen over night. She spent a lot of time grieving, there was a lot of one step forward, two steps back. It was only at this time that something happened that I didn't believe could, Jude was able to redeem himself with Rori and myself. He was a great friend, and if things never went any farther he would have still been a great friend. I did liked that with his everyday actions Jude was quietly able to win back Rori's affection.
It isn't often that a story can do what this one did, it spans a big time period, over 3 years, and essentially goes through 3 love interests, even though 1 of them was twice. That is a lot of ground to cover and cover it well. Make sure to check this one out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2010
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 was very satisfying, but for me Jude stole the show. In the beginning Jude is a complete jerk, but just because he’s been allowed to get away with it for so long. The women in town allow him to treat them like crap and keep coming back for more. Rori isn’t like those ladies and Jude just messes up over and over. Rori gets tired of his behavior and kicks him to the curb. She meets Zach, the younger brother of a high school friend, and they hit it off immediately. Jude realizes the error of his ways and grows up while watching Rori and Zach relationship takes off. His growth and their relationship follow the same arc. Zach is interesting, but his character wasn’t as developed as Jude’s and I just couldn’t feel much of a connection to him. If I hadn’t been able to read something redeemable about Jude I probably would have felt differently about Zach.
This story is very emotional and had me in tears in several places. (And there is one part of the story that had me bawling.) That is my favorite thing about a Lauren Dane book - the emotion. I don’t think I’ve read any of her stories without at least tearing up at one part or another. The stories come to life and the reader cares about what happens to the characters - good or bad.
SECOND CHANCES is perfect and helped tide this fan over until INSIDE OUT is released in November!
the book girl gives SECOND CHANCES a 5/5
SECOND CHANCES is full of fantastic characters. Rori is great and “watching” her get a happily ever after was very satisfying, but for me Jude stole the show. In the beginning Jude is a complete jerk, but just because he’s been allowed to get away with it for so long. The women in town allow him to treat them like crap and keep coming back for more. Rori isn’t like those ladies and Jude just messes up over and over. Rori gets tired of his behavior and kicks him to the curb. She meets Zach, the younger brother of a high school friend, and they hit it off immediately. Jude realizes the error of his ways and grows up while watching Rori and Zach relationship takes off. His growth and their relationship follow the same arc. Zach is interesting, but his character wasn’t as developed as Jude’s and I just couldn’t feel much of a connection to him. If I hadn’t been able to read something redeemable about Jude I probably would have felt differently about Zach.
This story is very emotional and had me in tears in several places. (And there is one part of the story that had me bawling.) That is my favorite thing about a Lauren Dane book - the emotion. I don’t think I’ve read any of her stories without at least tearing up at one part or another. The stories come to life and the reader cares about what happens to the characters - good or bad.
SECOND CHANCES is perfect and helped tide this fan over until INSIDE OUT is released in November!
the book girl gives SECOND CHANCES a 5/5
December 29, 2010
While reading several reviews for this book, I wasn't to sure this was for me. As much as I love most of LDs work. I felt that I would really hate it and for most of the novel I still felt that way.
We start out with Rory who is from a small town, moves back home after being away for several years. She comes back to town hotter then all get out. She soon meets up with the man Jude, she's had a schoolgirl crush on for years.
For the first half of the book Jude is a total ass with a capital A!!!
he's a womanizing d*ckweed and I hated him much for it. Soon Rory realizes that she can't deal with his crap. yay
The night she dumps Jude she goes out for drinks with a old friend and runs into Zach, sweet loving Zach! Rory soon falls for Zach and the two marry and lead a D/s lifestyle.
Then all of the sudden *SPOILER ALERT* Zach dies. Yep he's dead. So after sometime Rory falls back into love with Jude and they live happily ever after.
What I loved/Liked:
1. I liked Rory, she was a sweet, sexy, sassy well put together individual that any person would love to have in their life.
2. After being such a womanizing ass Jude redeems himself that left me no choice to believe in him.
3. The way Zach loved and treated Rory.
4. The Sex/love scenes, or as Rory would say hot monkey sex!
What I hated:
1.That for 50% of the book we focus on Rory and Jude and how awful he is. Which takes place over the course of a few days.
2. For 35% or so how she falls in love with Zach, and marries him. This takes place over a couple of years.
3. For how 10% of the book is how Rory deals grieves with Zach's death. Over the course of a year.
4. 5% is how Jude and her have such an abrupt ending.
Well thats kinda 50/50 huh? How did I come to four stars is well I love the writing style, it's easy to read and fast pace. Oh and it's full of kink.
4~stars
We start out with Rory who is from a small town, moves back home after being away for several years. She comes back to town hotter then all get out. She soon meets up with the man Jude, she's had a schoolgirl crush on for years.
For the first half of the book Jude is a total ass with a capital A!!!
he's a womanizing d*ckweed and I hated him much for it. Soon Rory realizes that she can't deal with his crap. yay
The night she dumps Jude she goes out for drinks with a old friend and runs into Zach, sweet loving Zach! Rory soon falls for Zach and the two marry and lead a D/s lifestyle.
Then all of the sudden *SPOILER ALERT* Zach dies. Yep he's dead. So after sometime Rory falls back into love with Jude and they live happily ever after.
What I loved/Liked:
1. I liked Rory, she was a sweet, sexy, sassy well put together individual that any person would love to have in their life.
2. After being such a womanizing ass Jude redeems himself that left me no choice to believe in him.
3. The way Zach loved and treated Rory.
4. The Sex/love scenes, or as Rory would say hot monkey sex!
What I hated:
1.That for 50% of the book we focus on Rory and Jude and how awful he is. Which takes place over the course of a few days.
2. For 35% or so how she falls in love with Zach, and marries him. This takes place over a couple of years.
3. For how 10% of the book is how Rory deals grieves with Zach's death. Over the course of a year.
4. 5% is how Jude and her have such an abrupt ending.
Well thats kinda 50/50 huh? How did I come to four stars is well I love the writing style, it's easy to read and fast pace. Oh and it's full of kink.
4~stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2010
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 due. While she was attracted to two dominant men, they were not carbon copies and clearly had their own sexual interests. And her family felt so real; as a reader I never felt as if her conversations with her sister, mother, or brother-in-law were forced or there to be filler. And her steamy scenes with Jude and Zach - wow, were they hot. Kept me turning the pages for more. And the reason behind the title, Second Chances, kept me reaching for tissues while I couldn't wait to read what was next. While already a fan of Lauren Dane, this gave new depth to her other works, and I can't wait to pick up another title of hers. *received free digital galley to review
December 13, 2010
while i really liked this, i am still a little torn as to what i think about the hea. spoiler...i initially wanted rori to be with jude and thought he would wise up. i even thought that right up until rori married zach. then, i was team zach and holy hell...he died!!
although for some reason i did have a feeling that something might happen to him. i got that feeling when he went on his first sailing trip and was to met her in hawaii for the wedding. i had a feeling he might not make it. when he did, i thought 'great, smooth sailing!!'. uh, not so much. i was completely shocked when he actually died. it was so sad.
enter jude who is getting his 'second chance'. while i am happy about how things ended, because as zach told jude, jude would be the only one to know what she needs.
i read believe right after this and am happy with them ending up together. ld always knows how to mess with my emotions. i.e., extremely hot sex, followed by emotional upheaval, almost tears, then some laughs and boom, hot sex again!!
she's an automatic read for me!
although for some reason i did have a feeling that something might happen to him. i got that feeling when he went on his first sailing trip and was to met her in hawaii for the wedding. i had a feeling he might not make it. when he did, i thought 'great, smooth sailing!!'. uh, not so much. i was completely shocked when he actually died. it was so sad.
enter jude who is getting his 'second chance'. while i am happy about how things ended, because as zach told jude, jude would be the only one to know what she needs.
i read believe right after this and am happy with them ending up together. ld always knows how to mess with my emotions. i.e., extremely hot sex, followed by emotional upheaval, almost tears, then some laughs and boom, hot sex again!!
she's an automatic read for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2013
Eh... I think this book would be a solid two stars. Some of it was good. I enjoyed the beginning. But I really think it all went down hill after that. Rori is a strong, independent woman who takes control over her own life until she comes home and lets these stupid men back in her life. Within two dates she apparently falls in love, yet marries a different man?.. Who she also falls in love with after sleeping with him for the first time. I think it's a bit too fickle for my taste. Either it's how I read it, or the author had some serious timing issues. The BDSM portion of the novel was good, however. Unfortunately, I don't think I would recommend it, nor would I bother reading it again. Hope you have a better opinion if you decide to go ahead with it though!
December 26, 2022
50% of the book is sex. NOT CHEATING. h knows about ow-s AND h dates around also. NOT exclusive.
h moves back home. Hooks up with her school crush. He is a cop. They are not exclusive, but h draw the line when H hooked up with OW hours before date with h. H got scared of feelings, so he self sabotage.
h Meets H2, who is a dom. The H1 she breaks up with is heartbroken and in love with h for 3 years.
She marries the second H2, have a happy marrige and good sex life, while the other H1 pines for her. Everybody know he loves h (including h).
The husband dies in a boat accident. (2.5y together).
H1 back in picture, takes care of her. After a year of mourning they get together. H was celibate since H2 death - before that few ow ( but nothing like before).
h moves back home. Hooks up with her school crush. He is a cop. They are not exclusive, but h draw the line when H hooked up with OW hours before date with h. H got scared of feelings, so he self sabotage.
h Meets H2, who is a dom. The H1 she breaks up with is heartbroken and in love with h for 3 years.
She marries the second H2, have a happy marrige and good sex life, while the other H1 pines for her. Everybody know he loves h (including h).
The husband dies in a boat accident. (2.5y together).
H1 back in picture, takes care of her. After a year of mourning they get together. H was celibate since H2 death - before that few ow ( but nothing like before).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2014
Good but not great. Although many other comments said that this was original and creative, I didn't have the same reaction. I even saw the twist coming, though I was off by a few chapters.
That said, Second Chances is very well written, and the exploration of how a little D/s can go a long way with a smart and strong woman was refreshing. The supporting cast was pretty good, though the various mothers were quite stereotypical.
If you're looking for a deep love story with some hot sex, this is your book.
That said, Second Chances is very well written, and the exploration of how a little D/s can go a long way with a smart and strong woman was refreshing. The supporting cast was pretty good, though the various mothers were quite stereotypical.
If you're looking for a deep love story with some hot sex, this is your book.
December 19, 2012
Solid 3.5. I really liked Rori! She was a solid character no crazy issues to speak of and she really stuck up for herself, especially where Jude and her mother were concerned. She knew what kind of guy Jude was once she realized he a piece of crapola manwhore, she moved on. Then Zach shows up. I gotta admit that when Jude and Rori broke things off, I was very sad. Jude was such a jerk and he really dug a hole for himself.
Zach.... for me... he was Jude but new and improved. A bit of an odd premise all together but that's cool.
Not my fave of Lauren Dane's but that's ok!
Zach.... for me... he was Jude but new and improved. A bit of an odd premise all together but that's cool.
Not my fave of Lauren Dane's but that's ok!
May 17, 2011
There is so much about the story that shouldn't be revealed so I am just going straight to my thoughts. The book was intense, seductive, and filled with an enormous amount of love that you felt through each and every page. Made my spine tingle, just a beautifully written book that really grasped at the depths of fully giving yourself to someone as well as becoming who you were always meant to be.
November 4, 2010
4.25 stars!!
As far as summaries go, you'll have to do with the blurb because I can't say anything more without spoiling and this is a book best read without spoilers that would ruin a lot of pivotal emotional moments in the story. SECOND CHANCES touches subjects as D/s and bondage but also emotional stuff as family bonds and a tense mother-daughter relationship, loss, grief and a bunch of other stuff I can't mention for fear of spoilers.
This story has three main characters and I'm not talking ménage here. It's a complicated love story filled with heat, emotions and struggles.
After a break-up with her cheating ex-boyfriend, Rori Simon leaves the life she's build in Paris and moves back to her hometown and her roots after ten years. She re-connects with Jude, the town’s bad boy, womanizer and her friend whom she had a crush on when she was a young. She also decides she's not going to chase after Jude him because no matter how much she wants Jude she's also realistic enough to realize exclusiveness is not in his vocabulary. Though she is falling for him, and has fallen for him she demands respect and will not taking his crap.
Throughout the story I couldn't fully connect with Rori. She was too fickle for me at times but I can't say I didn't like her. I liked her as a heroine because she was strong, self-confident and realistic. I just had trouble with some of her decisions and I never quite felt her emotionally except during a pivotal emotional scene where her hurt broke my heart.
Jude Callahan is a commanding charmer and a commitment-phobic, skirt-chasing womanizer. He’s not the one-woman type but rather juggles multiple women at the same time, enjoying them but never committing to one of them. A fact he openly admits to and doesn't pretend he's not. And it's been made easy for him with the women falling at his feet so he doesn't even have to make an effort.
Until Rori's return changes things and he finds himself doing the chasing instead of the other way around and he starts feeling things (jealousy, possessiveness) he's never felt before. Rori calls... no, screams, to his urge to dominate. Deep down he's not the carefree bachelor he seems to be. Opening up and making himself vulnerable because of how he's starting to feel about Rori scares him to death, which is why he inadvertently pushes her away as he doesn't open up to her other than sexually.
This drives Rori to Zach Helm, her best friend’s brother. Zach is the total opposite of Jude. He is ready to commit and so the focus of hero shifted to him, another Dominant but very openly so. He fills the emotional void that Jude left. Though both Zach and Jude are Doms Zach is more sure and comfortable with his mastery, which made him come out on top and made the sex scenes with him and Rori hotter to read.
Jude really started to get on my nerves with his petty jealousy over Rori once she's with Zach. He came across as a petulant child stomping his foot because he didn't get what he wanted but only wanted it after he threw it away and someone else grabbed it. Still, as much as he got on my nerves and as much as I wanted to smack him for being an ass to Rori, Jude was the character I clicked with the most.
Zach to me was kept on the surface as a character, understandably once you get to the heart of the story and I couldn’t completely click with Rori. Jude was the one who made a significant enough character development for me. Then something big, significant and heartbreaking happens and Rori and Jude grow close again and at the start of that development in the story my feelings about it were ambivalent.
I admired how Lauren Dane tackled the situation and the romance in this novel but I wasn’t sure if I was going to love it in the end. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill romance novel that you just go through the motions with. It made me stop and wonder what I would do in Rori's place faced with the situations Lauren Dane put her in.
There were some things I liked less in the story.
One thing that bothered me a bit was the flashbacks during sex scenes. Rori and Jude and Zach had them and they took me out of the sexy times mood, even when they were flashbacks with a sexual tone. Also Rori attracts dominant men but I didn't find a foundation in her character to suggest she's a sub other than both Zach and Jude saying she was "the perfect sub". The "something clicked into place inside her" didn't completely work for me either, as it was sudden and left too unfounded for me to truly accept it.
However there were so much more things that I did like about this story and they made the above little issues pale in comparison. I loved the quick alternations between Rori and Jude's POVs, which gave the story a very fast-paced, feel and kept it moving forward.
The characters and their emotional development were also pluses for me. This goes for Jude especially because he could have been a character easy to dislike, even hate, but the way Lauren Dane portrayed him you just can't because he's very unapologetically upfront about who and what he is, he learns from his mistakes and his redemption is believable and heartfelt.
The story at a swift pace and a lot of things were happening yet it never felt rushed. SECOND CHANCES is emotional, witty and super hot. The emotions make it honest, genuine and realistic. The romance that is not of the flowery, all sunshine and roses kind touched me deeply. I cried through the last 4 or 5 chapters and had to put it down a few times just to get a grip.
Lauren Dane ripped my heart out with this book but she also put it back, whole and rich with a new emotional reading experience. This shouldn’t surprise me because it's Lauren Dane. Need I say more? I love her writing whether it's contemporary, futuristic, full-out erotic or just sexy. She writes, I love!
As far as summaries go, you'll have to do with the blurb because I can't say anything more without spoiling and this is a book best read without spoilers that would ruin a lot of pivotal emotional moments in the story. SECOND CHANCES touches subjects as D/s and bondage but also emotional stuff as family bonds and a tense mother-daughter relationship, loss, grief and a bunch of other stuff I can't mention for fear of spoilers.
This story has three main characters and I'm not talking ménage here. It's a complicated love story filled with heat, emotions and struggles.
After a break-up with her cheating ex-boyfriend, Rori Simon leaves the life she's build in Paris and moves back to her hometown and her roots after ten years. She re-connects with Jude, the town’s bad boy, womanizer and her friend whom she had a crush on when she was a young. She also decides she's not going to chase after Jude him because no matter how much she wants Jude she's also realistic enough to realize exclusiveness is not in his vocabulary. Though she is falling for him, and has fallen for him she demands respect and will not taking his crap.
Throughout the story I couldn't fully connect with Rori. She was too fickle for me at times but I can't say I didn't like her. I liked her as a heroine because she was strong, self-confident and realistic. I just had trouble with some of her decisions and I never quite felt her emotionally except during a pivotal emotional scene where her hurt broke my heart.
Jude Callahan is a commanding charmer and a commitment-phobic, skirt-chasing womanizer. He’s not the one-woman type but rather juggles multiple women at the same time, enjoying them but never committing to one of them. A fact he openly admits to and doesn't pretend he's not. And it's been made easy for him with the women falling at his feet so he doesn't even have to make an effort.
Until Rori's return changes things and he finds himself doing the chasing instead of the other way around and he starts feeling things (jealousy, possessiveness) he's never felt before. Rori calls... no, screams, to his urge to dominate. Deep down he's not the carefree bachelor he seems to be. Opening up and making himself vulnerable because of how he's starting to feel about Rori scares him to death, which is why he inadvertently pushes her away as he doesn't open up to her other than sexually.
This drives Rori to Zach Helm, her best friend’s brother. Zach is the total opposite of Jude. He is ready to commit and so the focus of hero shifted to him, another Dominant but very openly so. He fills the emotional void that Jude left. Though both Zach and Jude are Doms Zach is more sure and comfortable with his mastery, which made him come out on top and made the sex scenes with him and Rori hotter to read.
Jude really started to get on my nerves with his petty jealousy over Rori once she's with Zach. He came across as a petulant child stomping his foot because he didn't get what he wanted but only wanted it after he threw it away and someone else grabbed it. Still, as much as he got on my nerves and as much as I wanted to smack him for being an ass to Rori, Jude was the character I clicked with the most.
Zach to me was kept on the surface as a character, understandably once you get to the heart of the story and I couldn’t completely click with Rori. Jude was the one who made a significant enough character development for me. Then something big, significant and heartbreaking happens and Rori and Jude grow close again and at the start of that development in the story my feelings about it were ambivalent.
I admired how Lauren Dane tackled the situation and the romance in this novel but I wasn’t sure if I was going to love it in the end. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill romance novel that you just go through the motions with. It made me stop and wonder what I would do in Rori's place faced with the situations Lauren Dane put her in.
There were some things I liked less in the story.
One thing that bothered me a bit was the flashbacks during sex scenes. Rori and Jude and Zach had them and they took me out of the sexy times mood, even when they were flashbacks with a sexual tone. Also Rori attracts dominant men but I didn't find a foundation in her character to suggest she's a sub other than both Zach and Jude saying she was "the perfect sub". The "something clicked into place inside her" didn't completely work for me either, as it was sudden and left too unfounded for me to truly accept it.
However there were so much more things that I did like about this story and they made the above little issues pale in comparison. I loved the quick alternations between Rori and Jude's POVs, which gave the story a very fast-paced, feel and kept it moving forward.
The characters and their emotional development were also pluses for me. This goes for Jude especially because he could have been a character easy to dislike, even hate, but the way Lauren Dane portrayed him you just can't because he's very unapologetically upfront about who and what he is, he learns from his mistakes and his redemption is believable and heartfelt.
The story at a swift pace and a lot of things were happening yet it never felt rushed. SECOND CHANCES is emotional, witty and super hot. The emotions make it honest, genuine and realistic. The romance that is not of the flowery, all sunshine and roses kind touched me deeply. I cried through the last 4 or 5 chapters and had to put it down a few times just to get a grip.
Lauren Dane ripped my heart out with this book but she also put it back, whole and rich with a new emotional reading experience. This shouldn’t surprise me because it's Lauren Dane. Need I say more? I love her writing whether it's contemporary, futuristic, full-out erotic or just sexy. She writes, I love!
December 7, 2017
Not my cup of tea.
January 9, 2022
Competent and self-actualized heroine.
I just read a unicorn
I just read a unicorn
October 26, 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 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.
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.
December 19, 2010
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*
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*
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