Second Chance, Barbara Elsborg

Honestly, the T-Rex t-shirts were my favorite parts of the story. I had to stop reading so I could laugh really hard out loud to appreciate the awesomeness of those images. I HAVE to find shirts like them.

But on to my thoughts about the story. I thought I would struggle more with the first condition set for the bargain, but it turned into something that was both sexy and endearing. The viewers, besides Padraig(?), weren't really participating in a disturbing way so I could believe in the intention, feelings, and pressures of the moment.

The MC's were both interesting and intriguing. They became memorable in their own ways and really were a fantastic pairing. The uncertainties brought on by the circumstances of their meeting were predictable, but it was the reaction to them that pushed the story from being good to great for me. Feelings were handled well and the moments they were expressed were perfect for them as a couple. The interference by Nico was integrated especially well in how it both complicated as guided.

Overall I was shocked in a fantastic way by how the angst, tenderness, honesty, and healing were woven together in a wonderful story. The author is incredible with their talent for that kind of writing and to see them test it out in a new genre for them was a happy surprise that I'm totally on board with. Looking forward to more!

*$4.00 on Amazon

Ryder’s on the company bonding trip from hell, five days of competitive cycling with competitive colleagues and an even more competitive boss. Faced with yet another vertical climb, he ignores his uninvited, insistent inner cheerleader. No, he cannot keep up, and what’s more, he’s had enough. And the weather appears to agree he should stop, when sun turns in an instant to thick fog.

Callan’s at Whittaker’s Auction House to bid on fae land that his werewolf pack need as their new home, when an unsuspecting human stumbles through the door. Ryder is out of breath, out of luck, way out of his depth—and apparently the newest item on the auctioneer’s block. Unexpectedly tempting, if Callan had the money.

As the bidding heats up and Ryder proves dangerously irresistible to the assembled supernatural creatures, the situation grows more and more precarious. When Callan interferes, he puts his pack’s future in peril. Despite knowing how devious faeries can be, desperation makes Callan accept a deal, a chance to win the land for his pack and a future with Ryder. But it’s a risk. Possibly a deadly one.

This is not 'just another Valentine's story', it's a Barbara Elsborg Valentine's story (ish). So don't expect the usual sonnets and flowers and Cupids, but do expect the unexpected - vampires, weres, witches and warlocks. Oh, and a vengeful fae. Things are not quite as they may seem. You have been warned!