Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story Book 1) by Davidson King


Who knew I needed an opposites attract, second chance holiday romance from Davidson King?  Davidson King did - and gave me and the rest of the world Once Upon a Second Chance.


From the blurb:

Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?

Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides—just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in.

Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster.

Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for Christmas: each other.

Once Upon a Second Chance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.


Janet's Review:

Once Upon a Second Chance is so freaking good! Perfect second chance romance that will give you warm and fuzzies. Although I can’t remember the last warm and fuzzy book I’ve read by this author. I had so many feels for Aaron, who is down on his luck and has only himself to count on for so long. When he is tested, he lands in Everlasting Springs where he is helped by Daniel. Daniel is a truly kind and decent person. They had great chemistry and the epilogue was perfect! Overall, this is a must read. Well written with a natural flow. Highly recommend!


Angel's review:

~~ "I can’t wait to write our story, Aaron.”
“It’s going to be the greatest tale ever told.”. ~~

Daniel is an older gentleman who runs several businesses in Everlasting Springs, his hometown. He does what he can to give back to the community he loves so much. When he finds out a young man got locked in his store with no place to go, he offers to let the man stay with him through the storm. That's where the story between Daniel and Aaron starts.

Aaron lives in his car traveling around different towns looking for work. On one snowy evening his car breaks down leaving him stranded in a small town in the middle of a storm. What started off as something bad ended up turning into something good.

I thought this story was cute, it's very reminiscent of a Hallmark film. It's full of holiday cheer, festive celebrations, and giving back to those who need help but don't know how to ask for it. Aaron and Daniel are good together they balance each other out. I liked how Daniel didn't push Aaron into accepting anything 'freely', he found a way to help Aaron while also still respecting Aaron's wants and wishes.

The traveling book nook was unique and I loved that it was mysterious and full of magic.


Heather's Review:

This book was an amazing read!  It was warm, sweet and lovely, with the right amount of holiday seasoning and two guys in the right place at the right time, even if one of them believes it's all wrong.  I love the way Aaron is cautious about his surroundings and always expecting the other shoe to drop, while Daniel is just so generous and giving, but also understands Aaron's need to stand on his own tow feet. 

I'm a sucker for an age gap, everything gap type story, especially when the older, more established guy is understanding and even a little gunshy of relationships himself.  I also love the world building around the town and the holiday festival.  It enhanced the love story and really gave the book depth.

If you're looking for a quintessential rich man/poor man, age gap, small town holiday story than look no further than Once Upon a Second Chance.


Once Upon a Second Chance is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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