The Second Chances series by Susan Laine
The Second Chances Series – an enjoyable series with an injection of humour – a fun, quick read
- Twice by Chance (book #1)
- Accidental Chemistry (book #2)
Twice by Chance by Susan Laine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Blurb…
As a teenager, Addy Monroe had a life-changing experience-although technically the “experience” was happening to someone else in the steamed-up backseat of the taxi stuck in traffic next to him. Six years later, at a club in LA, Addy meets rock singer Zak Roscoe-the man who unwittingly taught him who he is-and gets a shot at experiencing Zak for himself. A private and guarded person, Zak finds Addy’s determined advances both annoying and intriguing, and he allows himself to be seduced for a night of pleasure. Unfortunately, some old habits die hard: Zak’s postcoital nature leaves something to be desired, and Addy quickly realizes that sometimes fantasy and reality don’t have much in common. If wishes were second chances….
So what did I think?
The beginning of this book set up for an interesting scenario as 15 year old Addy witnesses two men making out in the back of a cab which confirms he definitely likes men! The scene, and eye contact with the man in the back of the cab, makes such an impact on the young Addy, that he can’t forget and fantasises about the man for years. Eventually Addy runs into Zak and gets to enjoy the man in person.
While an enjoyable story, this was a difficult relationship to believe. Zak is not exactly likable – he is avoids relationships and treats Addy poorly after their one night stand. But Addy is persistent and keeps chipping away at Zak. This is the part where I struggled as I couldn’t fully understand why Addy was interested in Zak, why he wanted the second chance.
Zak is ‘no good at relationships’ but Addy gets under his skin and eventually he can’t deny his feelings. While I wanted them to have a happy ending, and eventually Zak does open up to Addy, it feels more HFN, with not enough insight into the relationship to really believe it will last the long haul.
Accidental Chemistry by Susan Laine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Blurb...
Zane Roscoe’s evil day job at a musical instrument store is supposed to teach him responsibility. What he really wants is the fun, excitement, and artistic challenge of being a musician. Joshua Norton is in college, training to become a pharmaceutical chemist, and he is Zane’s complete opposite: introverted, intellectual, and quiet. When the two meet at a gay night club, their relationship begins with a case of mistaken identity and a wounded ego.
They try talking but stumble over one miscommunication after another. So Zane decides they better stick to sex—except a series of bumbling disasters, accidents big and small, and minor mishaps leads to frustration. Afterward, Zane wants to apologize for his behavior. But Joshua ran, and finding him turns into a test of character, as does earning Joshua’s forgiveness. Can they find the new beginning they need for a second chance at love?
So what did I think?
It was great to find this story focused on Zak’s (from Twice by Chance) little brother Zane.
The story was sweet as Zane and Joshua commence a relationship filled with accidents and incidents – basically anything that can go wrong, does go wrong. There is no real relationship development, more just these guys trying to have a successful sexual encounter without mishap! However they do seem to have an opposites attract chemistry.
There are definitely moments of cuteness and this makes a fun quick read.
I also like books that contain songs. This one includes “Who Will Love Me Now?” by PJ Harvey. Zane’s band plays the song and Joshua sings “And his voice was divine, echoing such mournful tones and painful longing that I felt my fingers slip and miss a few chords because I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Never had I seen or heard anything as beautiful as Joshua singing, his voice growing stronger and more confident as the song went on.”
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To find out more about Susan Laine and her books visit her website.
Buy the Second Chances series from Amazon.
Other reviews of books by Susan Laine
- Sounds of Love (Senses and Sensations #1) by Susan Laine (someonehastosetabadexample.wordpress.com)
- Short stories from the DSP 2013 Daily Dose: Make a Play (PART 5) (someonehastosetabadexample.wordpress.com)
- Sage Advice by Susan Laine (briefencountersreviews.com)