Another romance for the over 40. Can one sexy silver fox face the woman he once left behind but never let go?Her.A widow at forty-four, her husband left her a letter.Contact Denton.Once upon a time, the three of them had been best friends.Mati Rath isn’t sure she should look back. Her heart isn’t ready, or so she thinks.Him.A pleading phone call forces him to make a decision.I’ll be there. Yet, … him to make a decision.
I’ll be there.
Yet, he hasn’t been home in twenty-seven years.
Denton Chance isn’t sure he should return.
The past still haunts his heart.
A desire that never left them, along with circumstances beyond their control, brings the past to the present.
Can one sexy silver fox face the woman he once left behind but never let go?
Sometimes love deserves a second chance.
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This novel got better, the more I read. An amazing 10 star read.
L.B. Dunbar has definitely found a writing groove with her over-40 romances. I’ve enjoyed all the ones I’ve read and SECOND CHANCE is no exception.
I’ll admit that I was a tad sceptical heading into the book; I am wary of widowed characters who jump into romantic relationships soon after their spouses die. I do make judgements and it takes a skilled author to win me over, and Dunbar certainly did here.
This is a story about a second chance for Mati Harrington and Denton Chance, but it’s also a love triangle between Denton, Mati and Chris, her deceased husband. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Dunbar switched between the past and present to slowly reveal the layers of this intricate relationship between them all. They were all so young, dealing with intense feelings that resulted in actions that are still felt nearly 30 years after they happened.
Dunbar excels in giving her characters a life. These are not people who have let time pass them by. They have lived; they have had good times and they have regrets but they recognise when it’s time to leave the past behind and reach for their own happiness, whatever form this happens to take. They are also funny, a bit silly and a lot human. They are entirely relatable.
SECOND CHANCE is certainly a romance but for me it also sits firmly in the family saga category. The small town setting gives us the chance to meet other family members and friends that impact greatly on the lives of Denton and Mati. The story is about history and ancestral roots; it’s about the lies told and the secrets uncovered.
The writing was engaging and kept me entertained from the start. I highly recommend SECOND CHANCE.
4.5 stars
Can you see? My preach hand is up because L.B. Dunbar’s latest was second-chance romance at its finest. The angst and yearning was palpable. The guilt and secrets were thick. And as Denton and Mati learned the hard way, timing is everything.
Childhood best friends. Strangers for the past twenty plus years. A looming tragedy brings him back to town with a heart full of regret. And a head full of doubt. Regret for how he left years ago. Doubt that Marti will see past her hurt.
The was a longing in both of them. For Denton is was for Marti to see him. As the boy who knew her inside and out. And the man who didn’t want to lose this chance but didn’t know how to grasp it either. And Marti- she wanted it all. To move forward with her life. With her friend and the man who set her on fire. I kept waiting for the sexual tension to explode and when it did…Can you say hot? Because it was.
However, they could never seem to get on the same page. Ugh. I just wanted to lock them in a room and force them to talk to each other. These two who never hid anything from each other until love got in the way.
I loved that there were a lot of new characters introduced in this book. Can you say spinoff series? Fingers crossed that L.B. Dunbar runs with this small town because it is ripe for romance. The Tommy and Hank sighting didn’t hurt anything either. I’m not going to lie, there is a fair amount of loss and pain in the pages of Second Chance. But there is also so much hope and expectation. Denton and Mati are the proof that it is never too late to open yourself up. To follow your dreams and your heart especially when happiness and love are on the line.
Losing your husband and father of your children is never easy. At the age of 44, Mati found herself trying to create a whole new life after the passing of her husband. With her children leading their own lives, Mati tries to find her new normal without the security of a marriage. What she never expected was to discover a message from her husband in the form of a letter. A collection of words that had the power to bring memories of the past crashing into Mati’s world.
Mati grew up with the security of family and two amazing friends by her side. Denton and Chris were there for every pivotal moment in Mati’s life. While Denton’s home life was less than stellar, Mati always offered solitude and protection from the storms that plagued Denton. Things began to change when the trio hit their teenaged years. Both Chris and Denton realized that the feelings for their friend were more than platonic. Chris is the one that stepped up to the plate and offered Mati more than the bonds that existed between friends.
What Mati didn’t know that Denton breaking her heart would change the way her future played out. That one letter from Chris has opened the door to reaching out to Denton after all of these years. Gone is the guy that Mati once knew and in his place is a Rockstar who is gracing the cover of magazines. With his own tragedy calling him back to town, Denton is forced to face the girl that still haunts his dreams. Sometimes the past has a way of opening doors that were long thought sealed shut.
Second Chance is a reflection on that very specific sentiment. It is a story about finding love again, even when it seems almost impossible. The history between Chris, Mati, and Denton is very interesting. It is the basis for the trio’s time apart and the foundation for the possibility of a future. Mati and Denton were everything in a couple rekindling a love from long ago. The only thing I found frustrating was Denton’s inability to let Mati know why he walked away all those years ago. Would it have made a difference? I don’t know, but I would like to imagine things could have heated up in an epic way. I loved everything about this novel….the characters, storyline, and everything in between!
I am quickly becoming a fan of everything in the LB Dunbar universe!! After all – who doesn’t love stories that revolved around finding love and spectacular second chances?? Make sure you add Second Chance to your reading list today!!
This book was unlike any other I have read and I really enjoyed it. It dealt with death, friendship, hurt and steamy sex. This book captured my interest from the beginning. The main characters and childhood best friends are Mati and Denton. They are back in touch after being apart for many years.
I loved the authors perspective and style. When chartering new territory such as dating after the death of a spouse, the author puts their doubts and questions to paper. I found myself questioning my own thoughts and feelings about situations and how I would handle them. The sex in the book is sensitive and very hot. If I had to have one, I should be so lucky as to have this guy for my second chance. I am happy to recommend this book.
I have been on a LB Dunbar kick lately, and am blowing through her books with over 40 year old characters. Second Chance is the last of the books containing the members of Chrome Teardrops, a band that had been popular years ago, but broke up about ten years prior.
Mati had two best friends growing up- Chris and Denton. Mati ended up marrying Chris shortly after high school and after Denton had run to California to pursue his dreams of being in a band. Twenty-seven years later, after Mati’s husband passes away, Denton returns because his mother is dying. Denton’s feelings for Mati are still there- although Mati struggles with moving on. They have obstacles to overcome- including Mati’s children, Denton living across the country, Mati’s future- but will their feeling be enough?
I absolutely loved Mati- and I could really feel her emotions, and the difficulties that she faced. I loved Denton, and really felt his pain, and the decision that he struggled with when he was younger that continue to affect his adult life. I must say, while I could understand Mati’s husband’s struggle with Denton when they were younger, it did leave a bad taste in my mouth.
LB Dunbar’s writing, while good, for some reason was different than most others’, and that has been an adjustment, but I think now that I’m a few books in, it feels more smooth to me (please understand that there is nothing wrong, error-wise, but it didn’t feel like it flowed for some reason).
I look forward to more in this series- especially Mati’s brother’s stories!
I was so excited to read my first “Romance for the over 40” book…but that excitement quickly dissipated.
Mati Rath and Denton Chance were once best friends. Life happened, circumstances had them being pulled apart. Now after not seeing each other for 25+ year (give or take) life has put them back together. I liked the premise of the story, but dang if these two characters didn’t act like they were 20. You are grown adults…act like them.
Yes, I know this is story is a work of fiction — but after not seeing each other for YEARS Mati allows Denton into her home and teaches her how to pleasure herself by humping a pillow. Oh come on!! Pretty sure there should have been some conversation taking place, or maybe going out for a bite to eat and MAYBE getting to know each other again. SMH.
While I did enjoy parts of this second-chance story, other parts needed some work or should have been left out altogether. I would have like to have read more about their current situation and future and to have fewer flashbacks. Maybe you will like it…just wasn’t “right” for me.
Great Story & Listen Captivating & Heartfelt!
Second Chance
Another Romance for the over 40
By: L.B. Dunbar
Narrated by: Matthew Maddux, Beth Tucker
LB Dunbar pens another great romance for the over 40, an awesome addition to her “Sexy Silver Foxes” series. She creates stories and characters that are realistic and easy to relate to, the storylines are interesting and grabs your attention right from the start and captivates straight to the end. “Second Chance” is Denton and Mati’s story and it is so much more than a second chance romance. Mati, Chris and Denton were all friends growing up, Denton wanted it to be more with Mati but Chris set claim and out of respect of the friendship he backed off. He wound up leaving town, had a successful career as a rockstar, model and photographer. Chris and Mati married, had twin boys and a good life together, until his death leaving Mati a widow at 44 with adult sons. Denton gets summoned home and he finds out some things that change his perspective on his childhood, he is also faced with seeing Mati again. He is not the same man he was when he left but he still has feelings for Mati but can she see him and not see Chris, can he tell her why he really left. I loved how everything plays out in this book, there is a lot going on, reflections on the past as well as the now and it is nicely plotted and there is a wonderful flow to the story. There is never a dull moment with plenty of drama and heartfelt moments, some angst and some hot romance.
I listened to the Audiobook version, Matthew Maddux and Beth Tucker did a great job narrating and bringing the characters and their story to life. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 5/5
Romance = 3/5
Mystery = 3/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 0/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars = 4½
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Mati and Denton get a second chance at love after 27 years. Secrets come out and emotions are everywhere but finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Death unfortunately brings them together.
What an emotional rollercoaster. So many ups and downs. I was happy one moment, sad the next, and then angry…It was great! I can’t wait to read the secondary characters stories that are associated with the Blue Ridge area.
This book bounces from past to present often. Usually I get aggravated with books that bounce back and forth. This book though, was well written so it wasn’t that bad.
Oh! This book was a struggle. NOT to read, but to endure. The title is perfect; SECOND CHANCE, because it is a second chance at something more than best friends for Denton and Mati. This story could have been a whole 5 pages long, BUT, Denton and Mati both kept their feelings close 9and secrets) to their own hearts, and then made for a wonderful, believable, modern day story. I loved Mati’s brothers; their interaction with her as well as with Denton! Denton’s grandmother was spunky! I also enjoyed the small town setting. A very enjoyable book! (Ohhhh….don’t forget to pick up the next book in line: Silver Brewer. Mati’s brother Giant gets his story and boy is it a goody!)
Denton, Chris and Mati grew up together and were friends until both guys wanted Mati. Mati and Chris ended up married with twin boys and Denton left town to be a rock star and model. Now after twenty seven years, Mati is a forty four year old widow with a letter from her husband to contact Denton after all this time. Denton is still single and smoking hot at forty five. He has always loved Mati but his home life was hell when he lived in the small town. Now he’s back and the couple are connecting again. This is an angsty read with a complicated relationship.
Can I just say how nice it is to have romance novels with the character over the age of 40? It’s so nice and refreshing to read about grown adults who maybe have made mistakes but they have careers and children. They’ve been thru life and have felt the hardships of it. Mati and Denton are these people. Mati had the ideal life. She had the husband who loved her and twin boys who adored her until her world got turned upside down. She didn’t ever expect to live without her husband but now she is. Her, her husband and Denton go way back. They were together when they were younger and had such a close friendship. Decisions were made back then that changed their futures. Denton had a career of being a model and rock star. He never forgot about Mati or Chris(her husband). He’s back home now and dealing with heartbreak. This is his second chance at life and love. Him and Mati had one moment , one that caused the change. Yes there’s a little drama but it’s due to a son not ready to see his mom move on and he also knew what his dad did in the past. This book has many sweet, funny and heartbreaking moments. My heart broke many times but it was all worth it to see their happy ending.
When Mati loves her husband she finds a letter he wrote her, contact Denton. Can you find happiness again after a loss like that? And can you find if the friend from your past? Mati doesn’t think that you can but Denton might just prove her wrong. A great friends to lovers, second chance at HEA, over forty love story with plenty of love and steaminess.
Second Chance is such a heart breaking, heart-felt, sweet love story. This story hits home with aging parents, lost loves and high school memories. Dunbar’s stories, as always, are thought provoking and feeling inducing.
I love how each book has a main couple trying to find their happily ever after. I love how each couple relates to the couple from the other stories in this over 40 romance series.
Dunbar’s characters are fun to read about, except when you want to smack them, or cry with them, or jump around with excitement for them.
I highly recommend reading ANY of Dunbar’s stories especially this series. Looking forward to who’s next!
Phenomenal story!!
Kudos to this author for giving me a smart and flawlessly written story of love and second chances for the +40 generation.
Yes…sexy times does continue after 40 and this author does a stellar job in articulating it.
This story was passionate emotional and oh so sexy!
It’s the story of Mari and Denton who were best friends once upon a time.
Things happen…life happens… so their story and their journey spans over decades filled with many memories, secrets and missed opportunities.
Seconds chances after a lifetime of memories isn’t always easy, and that’s what made this story so bittersweet, relatable and full of angst.
4.5 stars!
So different than what I’ve been reading lately. I couldn’t put it down and got frustrated when I was told to put it down. I haven’t read many reads involving the older couples but this was something I could read frequently!
Mati has seen heartbreak and loss plus she’s been disappointed and so many other things throughout her life and a year later she finds herself wanting a second chance. This woman was quite an inspiring character for me to read based on the loss she endured to the judgments from even her own family. She still made her decisions for herself and after some battling within I couldn’t have been more proud to see what she accomplished.
Denton is a rockstar god who was loved and worshipped but just not by the right one. I freaking love his name, I am in Texas and worked in Denton therefore love the shoutout. The back and forth of the story from present to past made me fall for all the characters but had me questioning a few.
Incredible story you could melt yourself into. I am a big fan of second chances and I love the idea of this whole story! I cried, laughed, got turned on and even got angry. Great job!
This was on my TBR for a while. I’m glad I got to it sooner rather then later because I was missing out on an amazing 5 star second chance romantic story.
Denton left years ago to never return. Now he’s back on the eve of his dying mother. He left his best friend and the love of his life behind. More then 28 years later, their love for each other hasn’t faded. Mati a widowed mother of 28yo twin boys never thought she’d see him again but yet here he is.
This was an AWSOME story. It wasn’t just about romance, it was also about family. I got to see how Mati and her boys interacted and bonded. The boys had some part of this story. It was also about a family coming together in a time of need. This was an heartfelt beautifully written story that consumed my entire being. Highly captivating and addicting storyline. Bottomline this is a must read.
It’s safe to say that this story can be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Another silver fox from L.B Dunbar and once again another great read, this series is fast becoming one of my favourite reads I love that I can relate to the characters because it’s a breath of fresh air to read about the over 40’s finding love and enjoying some seriously hot passion as well as getting the perfect amount of humour and drama in each and every stand-alone story.
This is Denton and Mati’s story and in this one we get a fair bit of angst mixed in with the romance and humour but it still leaves you with all the feelings you expect from a great book. Denton and Mati’s history goes way back and at times you feel has to much time passed is there too much water under the bridge for this couple to get their HEA. It’s a story about miscommunications, secrets and what ifs but it’s a journey you will want to join so if you love second chance romance you need to one click this book now. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
Second Chance was absolutely fantastic!!! There were so many parts that hurt my heart. But things in life happen for a reason. And Mati and Denton finally get a second chance. I specifically loved that this was an over 40 romance! It was the perfect mix of love and angst.
I see you, Denton. I SEE YOU.
And I SEE YOU L.B.. You are amazing.
I absolutely love these Silver Foxes!
L.B. has truly mastered the craft of the over 40 romance.