JayReads

Spreads a bit of holiday magic

Revisado: 12-26-21

Ginger Snapping All the Way, by Gabbi Grey, spreads a bit of holiday magic when Mother Nature provides a generous heaping of snow, combining one grumpy ginger lumberjack, an outwardly effervescent nurse and a sassy pooch with an attitude. By forcing this trio together, years of emotional baggage is unpacked, revealing that life is worth living with the one who absconds with your heart.

This review is based on the audiobook, narrated by Michael Dean, who does a first-rate job of animating these personalities. He puts a lot of energy into his narration, so much that you feel like a voyeur on the sidelines. With Ginger Snapping All the Way, this intensifies the heat during the drool-worthy intimate interludes.

Former search and rescue guru, turned grumpy ginger lumberjack, Maddox Baker, is living isolated in his mountain cabin with his snarky pooch, Princess Sofia. Events five years earlier left him with a chronic knee injury and unresolved emotional strain. Maddox is going through the motions, but stagnating. He’s bitter and remorseful, short-tempered and a bit of a recluse… a Scrooge.

Outwardly effervescent nurse, Ravi Laxamana, is on the run from a past that is too painful for him to confront. Two years ago, Ravi suffered a tragic loss and instead of dealing with the loss, ran to the Philippines to work with a children’s charity as a surgical nurse. The premature birth of his goddaughter forces him to make an expeditious trip home to Calgary, Canada where his past lies in wait.

Well, Calgary, Canada was the intended destination for Ravi, but due to airplane mechanical issues, he arrives in Abbotsford with nowhere to stay. That is, until Meg, Maddox’s friend, arranges for Maddox to brave the weather to retrieve Ravi, her girlfriend’s brother, from the airport. Maddox gives Ravi a place to stay for the night. Mother Nature has other plans and one night turns into several.

Forcing these two tortured soles together with no out for days is the work of divine intervention and a bit of Christmas magic. It starts out as they both recognize they harbor a pain which is slowly consuming them. Oddly enough, it is Maddox who shares his past first, while Ravi holds his tightly to his chest. Their histories are heartbreaking, that is a given, but the guilt they hold onto isn’t their fault.

Maddox and Ravi’s walls weaken through a series of shared moments, mishaps and physical pleasure. There is an innate sense that they both share a similar soul crushing pain which leaves them non-judgmental. Although this happens over the course of a few days, the fascinating part is that it doesn’t feel like instant love. It is more of a bonding that forges love, while their deep connection sneaks up on them.

I love how Maddox and Ravi had to work at their relationship in Ginger Snapping All the Way. They realized the need to correct the trajectory of their lives and acted. The fact that they each made a grand jester was so romantic and it was pure satisfaction to get a glimpse into their future.

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A crossover for all times

Revisado: 12-23-21

Forever Wilde in Aster Valley, by Lucy Lennox, is a crossover for all times that brings individuals from Lucy Lennox’s Made Marian and Forever Wilde series together at the Rockley Lodge in Aster Valley, Colorado (her ongoing series) for the holidays. Since Forever Wilde in Aster Valley’s focus is on a new family member, it can be read as a standalone as the author states in her note to the readers. But I feel if you haven’t followed these series, you will miss some of the subtle nuances.

Michael Dean has narrated all of the Made Marian, Forever Wilde and Aster Valley novels, so there is a lot of continuity with the portrayal of characters’ personalities. His narration is always a treat, giving a confident and astounding voice to the individuals. Maybe this is the result of his long-time connection to these characters, but it could also be pure talent on his part. His articulation of the individuals captures each scene, resounding with all the joy, love, anger and tension due at that moment.

Forever Wilde in Aster Valley is Miller Hobbs’ story. Miller was introduced in His Saint, Saint and Augie’s story, and then again at the end of Wilde Love, where the Marian and Wilde families are connected. These are books 5 and 6 in the Forever Wilde series… so how does Aster Valley fit the picture? Well, it starts right here and now as the location for a large, loud and overwhelming Marion/Wilde Aster Valley Christmas. While Miller has ties to both the Marian’s and the Wilde’s, he doesn’t yet feel he belongs and is deeply mourning the loss of his mother.

Miller is both happy and sad that he was included in the Marion/Wilde holiday celebration and at the same time is overwhelmed by the enormity of his new family. Miller meets the tatted, gorgeous Greek god, Darius Grant (briefly introduced in Hot as Heller Aster Valley book 3 as the new bakery owner in town), on a run to pick up treats from Darious’ bakery, Honey’s. Miller is smitten and unbeknownst to Miller, the feeling is mutual and will soon shape his future. To escape the family ruckus, Miller visits Honey’s multiple times after that first encounter, spending time with Darius for the comfort he finds in his presence.

As we have come to expect with Lucy Lennox’s writing, Forever Wilde in Aster Valley is chock full with sexual innuendo, elders who push the limits of the law, a freakishly scary, yet adorable snowman and an abundance of good intentions. But front and center is the budding relationship between Miller and Darius. With so much going on, their path to happiness could have been overshadowed, but with brilliant finesse, they take center stage in an outstanding holiday romance.

I totally fell in love with Darius and his utter honesty, that is anything but abrasive. He is kind, attentive and doesn’t have a manipulative bone in his body. From the start, he is infatuated with Miller giving him the space he needs to work through his issues while providing unconditional support. It is through the subtle distractions and gentle guidance Darius provides that his feelings for Miller reveal themselves.

At the same time, my heart goes out to Miller, suffering from and blinded by the staggering loss of his mother for the first holiday season. He wants nothing more than to become part of the Marion/Wilde clan, but heartbreak over the initial rejection from his grandmother, Tilly Marion, is holding him back. As with most things, a serious and heartfelt discussion with Tilly has the effect of putting things into perspective. In contrast, Miller wears his attraction for Darius on his sleeve, but feels undeserving of such happiness.

By the end of Forever Wilde in Aster Valley there is a new resident and power couple with Miller and Darius. Miller seamlessly integrates into life in Aster Valley, his confidence is back and the love that radiates off the new couple is hypnotizing. The holiday season is a time for miracles and this holiday Miller and Darius receive the greatest gift of all… true love!

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An Astonishing Tale

Revisado: 02-23-21

Love across time becomes a reality in Heroes for Ghosts by Jackie North. Heroes for Ghosts is an exquisitely written hurt-comfort time travel romance with second and even third chances. It depicts where the universe steps in to solidify a picture-perfect match between a WWI doughboy, Stanley Sullivan, and present-day history major, Devon Foster. The retelling of their story, as narrated by Greg Boudreaux, is masterfully done, enhancing the love which time crafted.

Stanley lives in an era when his sexuality is illegal, yet he craves the connection with another man. Serving his country in 1917 during the Battle of Ornes, he succumbs to mustard gas in a brave attempt to save his fellow soldiers. When he someway trips over Devon in the very same field, some 100 years later, he is confused and heartsick that he failed his fellow comrades.

In a small cottage near the battlefield where the events of 1917 took place, Devon is completing his history major thesis studying the effects the weather had on the Battle of Ornes, where all 201 soldiers of the 44th Battalion perished. Lost to his thoughts, lying in the wet grass as the chilly rain falls upon him, Devon suddenly finds himself face to face with… well, it appears to be a WWI doughboy.

Kindhearted Devon, takes the confused, possibly role playing or suffering from some sort of mental health issue, Stanley, to the little cottage to get him warm and fed. As time passes and they begin to understand each other, it becomes clear that some sort of paranormal phenomenon has brought them together. Yet, Stanley’s work is unfinished and he is repeatedly pulled back to 1917 to complete his mission.

Time travel may seem impossible, but Heroes for Ghosts challenges your thought process with a profound feeling that something cosmic held Stanley in limbo until the timing was right to introduce him to Devon. Each time Stanley returns from the past, their connection grows. Devon learns actual facts from the past, piquing his already intense interest. And Stanley is introduced to current technology and the exquisite pleasure and rightness of a bond between two men.

I wondered about the impact of altering history, but let it go. My mind settled this by theorizing that, while war is by no means inconsequential, this particular battle was insignificant to the outcome of the overall war, leaving no impact in its wake. Besides, Stanley and Devon get their happily-ever-after and a few lives were not lost in vain.

Overall, Heroes for Ghosts, the first in the Love Across Time series, is an astonishing tale that riveted me from the start. The history is well researched and presented. The characters are strong both individually and together, their pain and personal experiences laid bare for us to empathize. The vivid imagery is spectacular, from the horrors of war, to the peaceful green fields that now occupy the same space. And… the narration by Greg Boudreaux is flawless and spellbinding.

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Transforms into a picturesque love story

Revisado: 12-21-20

The audiobook for A Royal Christmas Cruise by Max Walker is the perfect holiday tale articulated by the talented Greg Boudreaux. The romance starts as pure unfettered lust and intense attraction and transforms into a picturesque love story as it surrenders to the magic of the season. Complete with steamy encounters, dining room booths that give the illusion of being tucked into a snow globe and a grand ballroom converted into the inside of an igloo, it all combines to create the ultimate holiday illusion and fantasy.

A Royal Christmas Cruise is an addition to the Stonewall Investigations – Miami series, but can be read as a standalone. One of the characters is an investigator for Stone Wall but in this case, he is on vacation and stumbles into love and an unexpected investigation apart from the rest of the Stone Wall team.

Greg Boudreaux delivers a spectacular performance giving the characters their own voice and hypnotically conveying the beauty of the holiday decorations described by the author. His sultry delivery of the romantic interludes is top notch allowing for a clear vision of the most intimate encounters. On the flip side, Greg immerses you in the normal conversation, tense moments, heartfelt exchanges and comedic relief with ease.

For Nicholas (Nick/Neal) Silva, the closeted prince of Spain, enough is enough. It is time to make a change. Breaking up with his “girlfriend,” he heads off for a holiday cruise where he plans to explore himself. Leary of being recognized, Nick is conscious of any lingering eyes on him. Yet, he is captivated by the gorgeous man who is boldly staring. Then holy crap, there he is, half-naked in the most adorable pair of banana briefs. Unbeknownst to him, he is drooling over his soul mate.

Shiro (Shy) Brooks broke up with his boyfriend, Mason, and faces a reunion cruise with his closest friends, alone. The cruise is starting out splendid for Shy. An embarrassing mishap during security check-in causes his slightly fuller than normal banana briefs, thanks to a dark-haired god, to be on full display. When he winds up asking this god to be his fake boyfriend, fall in love and put his investigative skills to use… he has no idea he’s just propositioned a real prince!

From their first encounter in the bookstore, the chemistry between Nick and Shy is scorching hot. The banter they toss at each other and Shy’s friends exudes comfort, even with the pressing matter of a prince undercover. Of course, the princely(ness) of Nick is exposed and temporarily ups the tension, but that doesn’t last long. Shy is determined to find the leak, the source of which is unexpected by the parties involved, but not surprising when the motive behind it is greed.

A Royal Christmas Cruise is a heartwarming, cute holiday romance that is an enjoyable addition to the Stone Wall Investigations – Miami series. It deviates from the typical intriguingly intense investigations the Stone Wall team takes on, as it shows the range of talent Max Walker has in his writing. Happy Holidays!

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Incredible Story

Revisado: 12-17-20

The Christmas Deal by Keira Andrews is one of my favorite holiday stories. These men could not be more lost as they enter the holiday season. What begins as fake boyfriends by chance… quickly becomes a bisexual awakening, with a holiday miracle, for two men who desperately need something to fulfill their lives. What neither expects is for the other to possess the allusive need that comes with another… forever.

John Solo’s narration of this incredible story only serves to amplify its intensity. His ability to capture the situation appears seamless and his voice gives amazing clarity to the individual characters. The sign of a truly great narrator is when you are drawn into the story and the feelings of each and every moment resonate through you, which is absolutely what Mr. Solo creates here.

Logan Derwood was involved in an unfortunate train accident where the blame was unjustly placed upon him. This has limited his ability to find steady work and, on top of that, he is the sole guardian of his angry teenage stepson following his wife’s death. Logan has always considered himself straight. Never mind the “get off” sessions with other men, they were just a means to fulfill a need. He just never envisioned himself in a relationship with another man no matter how hot the blowjobs were... that is until Seth Marston.

Seth Marston is the adorable quintessential strait-laced buttoned up geeky gay. Tarnished by a bad breakup he is reluctant to put himself out there again. Combined with the fact that he was tossed out by his ultra-conservative homophobic family, he is lonely with only his career to focus upon. He desperately seeks a family of his own.

The premise behind The Christmas Deal isn’t new or overly complex but it stands apart from others, since neither man concocts the scheme. They are being bamboozled into playing along, as the conspiracy quickly becomes known as “the caper” and snowballs out of control. Jenna, Logan’s sister and Seth’s co-worker, hilariously throws Logan and Seth together to provide Seth with the means to achieve the promotion he deserves, and at the same time inadvertently provides temporary reprieve from homelessness for Logan and his stepson Connor.

Forced to play “family”, Seth opens his home to Logan and Connor and in return Logan helps Seth complete the home renovations Seth abandoned after his breakup. They have a dinner to host, pretending to be the perfect family for Seth’s family-oriented boss to secure his promotion. The resulting feelings are hidden behind some no strings attached fun. Who are they trying to fool? And maybe Logan isn’t as straight as he once thought.

Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy for walls between not only Logan and Seth to collapse, but to bring down the barriers between Connor and Logan as well. It is a tearjerker scene that solidifies Seth, Logan, and Connor as a family in a manner where you know they will survive the tough times, while reveling in the joy they bring each other, as they let go of the past and look forward to the future.

The Christmas Deal is what I refer to as a “Hallmark Holiday” but with significantly more depth. The holidays are in full swing with plentiful decorations, snow, sledding, holiday music, you name it. Seth and Logan may not have planned all of this, but the enchantment of the season gives it to them anyway. Additional intensity is provided by perfect timing that brings two vastly different men together, forcing discoveries that give them hope, with a reason to evaluate who they are and what they seek. And… I’d say the epilogue is one of the best presents one could ever receive.

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Incredible Story

Revisado: 12-17-20

The Christmas Deal by Keira Andrews is one of my favorite holiday stories. These men could not be more lost as they enter the holiday season. What begins as fake boyfriends by chance… quickly becomes a bisexual awakening, with a holiday miracle, for two men who desperately need something to fulfill their lives. What neither expects is for the other to possess the allusive need that comes with another… forever.

John Solo’s narration of this incredible story only serves to amplify its intensity. His ability to capture the situation appears seamless and his voice gives amazing clarity to the individual characters. The sign of a truly great narrator is when you are drawn into the story and the feelings of each and every moment resonate through you, which is absolutely what Mr. Solo creates here.

Logan Derwood was involved in an unfortunate train accident where the blame was unjustly placed upon him. This has limited his ability to find steady work and, on top of that, he is the sole guardian of his angry teenage stepson following his wife’s death. Logan has always considered himself straight. Never mind the “get off” sessions with other men, they were just a means to fulfill a need. He just never envisioned himself in a relationship with another man no matter how hot the blowjobs were... that is until Seth Marston.

Seth Marston is the adorable quintessential strait-laced buttoned up geeky gay. Tarnished by a bad breakup he is reluctant to put himself out there again. Combined with the fact that he was tossed out by his ultra-conservative homophobic family, he is lonely with only his career to focus upon. He desperately seeks a family of his own.

The premise behind The Christmas Deal isn’t new or overly complex but it stands apart from others, since neither man concocts the scheme. They are being bamboozled into playing along, as the conspiracy quickly becomes known as “the caper” and snowballs out of control. Jenna, Logan’s sister and Seth’s co-worker, hilariously throws Logan and Seth together to provide Seth with the means to achieve the promotion he deserves, and at the same time inadvertently provides temporary reprieve from homelessness for Logan and his stepson Connor.

Forced to play “family”, Seth opens his home to Logan and Connor and in return Logan helps Seth complete the home renovations Seth abandoned after his breakup. They have a dinner to host, pretending to be the perfect family for Seth’s family-oriented boss to secure his promotion. The resulting feelings are hidden behind some no strings attached fun. Who are they trying to fool? And maybe Logan isn’t as straight as he once thought.

Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy for walls between not only Logan and Seth to collapse, but to bring down the barriers between Connor and Logan as well. It is a tearjerker scene that solidifies Seth, Logan, and Connor as a family in a manner where you know they will survive the tough times, while reveling in the joy they bring each other, as they let go of the past and look forward to the future.

The Christmas Deal is what I refer to as a “Hallmark Holiday” but with significantly more depth. The holidays are in full swing with plentiful decorations, snow, sledding, holiday music, you name it. Seth and Logan may not have planned all of this, but the enchantment of the season gives it to them anyway. Additional intensity is provided by perfect timing that brings two vastly different men together, forcing discoveries that give them hope, with a reason to evaluate who they are and what they seek. And… I’d say the epilogue is one of the best presents one could ever receive.

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Does not disappoint

Revisado: 12-09-20

Mr. Naughty List by Leta Blake is the second in her Home for the Holidays series and can be read as a standalone. RJ had a cameo role in Mr. Frosty Pants as one of the secondary characters, thus tying Mr. Naughty List to the series. Here we learn about him and his kinks, which are both deliciously naughty and heartwarmingly romantic at the same time.

Are you on Santa’s naughty or nice list this holiday season? Let’s be naughty together this year!

As always, the narration by John Solo is riveting, as he unfolds the past and currently budding relationship between RJ Blitz and Aaron Danvers. His depiction of their kinky times conjures up a live porno in our mind, which dramatically ratchets up the heat. Conversely, he delivers the tender and intimate moments in such a way that fills our hearts with the romance we crave.

There isn’t an age gap to speak of, since only a few years separate RJ and Aaron. RJ was once Aaron’s student, an underachiever angry at the world. At the time, Aaron was a new teacher, trying to navigate his life as a grownup and really didn’t focus on the broody teenager; whereas RJ struggled to control his racing hormonal mind against the devious things he wanted to do to his sexy teacher.

The Dom/sub component is light BDSM play with an older sub and younger Dom that is behind closed doors and fulfills both RJ and Aaron – the “Mr. Danvers” role play is delectable. Their time together is supposed to be a holiday fling that will end when RJ returns to his career as a musician and Aaron to his teaching career. Uh Oh! Feelings develop and their hearts engage. Now what? Will the holidays work its magic on RJ and Aaron?

The contrast between Aaron, the meticulous control freak (unless he is in the bedroom,) and unsettled powerhouse, RJ, gives their story credibility and definition. It’s their insecurities that both bind them and could also be their demise. The family drama on both sides is a catalyst to grasp onto their undeniable attraction and the very thing standing in their way.

Aaron’s dad is a real hoot. His acceptance of Aaron and his unconditional love for his son warms my heart. On the other hand, Aaron’s mother is a piece of work. Her manipulations of her son, molding him into the image he “needs” to project, are downright disgusting. When Aaron finally takes control of his life out of her hands, it’s glorious.

I struggled with the concept of a romantic coupling of a former student and his teacher being considered “taboo,” while at the same time, I guess I get it. At this point in their lives, both RJ and Aaron are consenting adults and although there was attraction during those earlier years, it was never acted upon. In fact, the flashback to those times is merely humorous innocent fantasies.

Mr. Naughty List takes the joy of the holidays and works its magic on two restless souls, bringing them together. Just wait until you get to their epic happy ending; it does not disappoint.

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Magnificent

Revisado: 05-26-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Often destiny is predetermined and unknowingly influences the decisions and choices we make. Even angels aren’t always immune to the resulting consequences. Destined to Fall, by Louisa Mae, entwines destiny, choices and consequences into an angelic love story of loss, love and a confirmation that everything happens for a reason.

After a tragic death, Andrew Manners is reborn as a guardian angel who is earthbound with a physical form. To everyone around him, he appears human. His empathy and caring personality ensure his destiny as a guardian angel, put on earth to provide comfort for those facing distressing situations, times of uncertainty, overwhelming grief and even their own death.

Human Andrew hid his feelings for men, but in his angelic state sex, race, religion aren’t even a consideration. Love is love, and all that matters is what is in your heart. Andrew’s experience with love and loss heightens his compassion for mankind and his charges. This compassion is ultimately his undoing, or maybe it’s his salvation, changing his existence forever.

Andrew’s tale began a long time ago with the loss of his first love, Barrington. But it’s the course of events which lead him to find Simon, a young man struggling from a vicious attack, that unravels his past and solidifies his destiny. Andrew is very aware that Simon’s time has come. His instinct to heal and provide comfort surface and he agrees to convey a message of love and to look after Simon’s boyfriend Josh, at Simon’s last request.

Separate tragedies bring Andrew and Josh together. The guilt Andrew carries for most of his angelic life and the devastation that haunts Josh is extremely heart wrenching. Their individual struggles with the pull between them are painful to read, though the soul-deep attraction and affection they share is absolutely their destiny.

Dan Calley tackles Destined to Fall head on, with a force that transports you into the moment. His narration brings to life the emotional struggle and the pull between Andrew and Josh, along with the anguish resonating from the beautiful souls of Simon and Barrington, as they accept their destiny. His sultry lilt and commanding presence deliver the full impact of feelings which resonate in Destined to Fall.

From beginning to end, Destined to Fall is purely magnificent! There is so much depth behind these men’s journey, covering good versus evil, past and present love, deception and grief. But it all interlaces together, creating a captivating cacophony of swirling emotions in the best possible way. Under it all, hope emerges, illuminating Andrew and Josh’s destiny.

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Entertaining and Disturbing in Equal Parts

Revisado: 05-23-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

The audiobook version of Falling for My Roommate, by Garrett Leigh and narrated by Dan Calley, is entertaining and disturbing in equal parts. Alleged unrequited romance and humor silhouette the tough stuff: how the heart and mind react to betrayal and psychological trauma.

Dan Calley’s narration truly brings this story to life, with all the emotional aspects reverberating through your soul. Each character’s voice is unique, wrought with inner their depth, compassion and struggle, enveloping you with complete empathy for them.

Sam & Micah have firmly established their roommate relationship, one that resembles an established couple as they unconsciously take care of one another, while harboring hidden desires. Sam identifies as gay but fears nothing will come of his attraction to Micah, who identifies as straight. However, there are the pesky tabloid articles spreading rumors that Micah is gay. These contribute to the demise of his football career.

Sam is quite the understanding individual and just the friend that Micah needs. He doesn’t see Micah as broken and he doesn’t try to fix Micah. But he has the uncanny ability to see beyond the complex, dark, and glum exterior Micah presents, to the caring loving person hidden within. Behind the tainted and PTSD stricken man, is another persona trying to break free, unsure how to breach the surface. We see it all through the little things Micah does, but covers with his harsh words and premeditated actions.

Micah’s fall from grace as a footballer, due to societal demands, takes a toll on his psyche. Coming out is a personal choice and being forced out by the media precipitates a series of unhealthy actions on his part. These actions result in a serious leg injury, ending his football career and swallowing him up in a cesspool of depression, with a dose of PTSD thrown in.

What impressed me most about Falling for My Roommate, is that it is real and gritty. Life doesn’t always have order. Micah has major issues and stumbles along the way to his recovery. Sam doesn’t swoop in and save Micah; he understands he can’t be his rescuer. But Sam has the strength to be there for his best friend and ultimate lover. He endures the ups and downs and, depending on what the situation requires, is kind and gentle or demanding and forceful. Yet, not once do you get the feeling that Sam is sacrificing himself to pacify Micah.

Falling for My Roommate is angst ridden and engrossing as a couple of roommates, beginning as random strangers, navigate a distressing past and negotiate life under their new norm. Sam and Micah connect through the basic need for housing. Little did either expect their chance meeting would provide closure and change the trajectory of their lives forever.

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The Right Time

Revisado: 05-21-20

Second Chance by Jay Northcote is a beautiful and, at times, heart wrenching tale of second chances, self-discovery, and the acceptance that comes with the courage to choose your destiny. A side benefit, Second Chance is educational, allowing one to enlighten themselves about the transgender process, free of the clinical mumbo jumbo. It is a reconnection with a twist that melts your heart. Oh, and these guys are in their mid-forties which is absolutely refreshing!

Returning home for vastly different reason, two men, besties in youth, Nate and Jack reconnect on a much deeper level than was possible in youth. Nate’s unrequited love for Jack in their younger years separated them in adulthood. Jack absolutely loved Nate back in the day, but Nate was Nat which presented challenges for Jack as a young gay lad.

Jack finds Nate attractive both emotionally and physically. However, his inner demons create a rift between them. Nate has had time to resolve his internal conflict and is comfortable with being himself. Jack is supportive of Nate’s transition, correcting those that misuse pronouns, but makes his share of mistakes along the way. As the world questions their path it is refreshing to see that their struggles primarily revolve around everyday life.

Love comes in a variety of packages and no matter what form it presents itself in it is a treasure to behold. Teenage Nate and Jack weren’t right for each other but the adults they have become are perfect, with all their scars and flaws. There is family acceptance with Nate’s daughter Cass and mother Sue; their family dinners together and crisis management precipitate a sense of normalcy that sheds the unwelcome tension. Jack’s family takes some time and pressure to understand, but in the end they want their son to be happy.

The romance and sexy times between Nate and Jack are superbly written. As Nate teaches the intricacies of their bonding, Jack eats them up both literally and figuratively. I was captivated, learning and growing every step of the way. Jack is an outstanding, inventive, and compassionate lover and partner. Chuckle moment – forties and caught making out in the backseat of mom’s car.

Hamish Long does a superb job of conveying the heartfelt feelings. Narrating the range of emotions this story presents must have been a challenge, but one tackled with seeming ease. Let’s not discount his accent, understandable to this American white boy and it took me to places I long to visit.

Overall, Second Chance is low on angsty drama. The focus being a second chance romance that finds its time in life. Nate and Jack have some pretty heavy things in their past showing their strength and resolve. Their reconnection is just in time for them to enjoy what each has been missing.

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