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Second Time Around
A short story about love, loss and finding love again.
Ronin Eastland has lost his love of 12 years in a drunk driving accident. Broken and devastated, Ronin retreats into his own world where he slowly succumbs to the pain of losing the only man he'd ever love.
Maverick Holliday wakes up in a white room and finds out he's dead. If that's not bad enough, his twink-looking somewhat angel tells him he can go back to Ronin. There's just one catch-Maverick won't remember who he is. Sent back down to earth in the body of another man, Maverick Holliday--now Maverick Cruise, tends to the sick and needy-until a broken man winds up in his ER. Drawn to the widower, Maverick can't understand why he feels so close to Ronin Eastland.
Will Maverick ever truly remember the love he and Ronin shared? Will fate bring them together for a second time around?
Ronin Eastland has lost his love of 12 years in a drunk driving accident. Broken and devastated, Ronin retreats into his own world where he slowly succumbs to the pain of losing the only man he'd ever love.
Maverick Holliday wakes up in a white room and finds out he's dead. If that's not bad enough, his twink-looking somewhat angel tells him he can go back to Ronin. There's just one catch-Maverick won't remember who he is. Sent back down to earth in the body of another man, Maverick Holliday--now Maverick Cruise, tends to the sick and needy-until a broken man winds up in his ER. Drawn to the widower, Maverick can't understand why he feels so close to Ronin Eastland.
Will Maverick ever truly remember the love he and Ronin shared? Will fate bring them together for a second time around?
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2012
3 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Sandrine Gasq-Dion
79 books1,345 followersI have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but "Old School" French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in Arizona. I've been connected to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn't change a thing about it. Writing has become my full time job and I've never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won't happen soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 25, 2012
The idea was nice but the execution lacked all sense of charm and romance.
Also, what kind of monster parent tells you, caringly, that your dead partner of 12 years "wouldn’t want you to wallow” on the day of the funeral? That's kind of the point of a funeral. You're allowed to feel grief. Someone get that woman a book on bereavement.
Also, what kind of monster parent tells you, caringly, that your dead partner of 12 years "wouldn’t want you to wallow” on the day of the funeral? That's kind of the point of a funeral. You're allowed to feel grief. Someone get that woman a book on bereavement.
December 26, 2012
This was just so cute! We all know perfect couples who break up because one dies and the other is left devastated and just going through the motions. Well in this book God makes an exception and sends Maverick back to Ronin. Total tears of joy!!!
March 3, 2013
The blurb pretty much tells the plot for this short story so I'm not going to flog it to bits, but I have to say for a fairly short novella its not a bad story. I thought the reincarnation idea was sweet and the two guys endearing enough. It didn't blow
me away, but it was a pleasant, sexy, easy read that gave me a nice fuzzy buzz when it had finished. I enjoyed it in a ' that was nice' way. :)
me away, but it was a pleasant, sexy, easy read that gave me a nice fuzzy buzz when it had finished. I enjoyed it in a ' that was nice' way. :)
January 4, 2013
This book is exactly the type that tugs at my heart. It is a wonderful short about true love and second chances, and it brought tears to my eyes in a good way. It isn't ground-breaking, but it is sweet and touching through and through. I wish it was longer (I often feel that way about good shorts) but I enjoyed every second while I was reading it.
January 28, 2013
Ronin and Maverick, a match made in heaven -literally.
They fell in love the first day they met and have been inseparable for the last decade, but a drunk driver ended that.
A heavenly twink decides a mistake has been made and gives them a second chance at love.
It was a very sweet read, and despite the storyline it wasn't a depressing read, I just knew they would have their HEA.
They fell in love the first day they met and have been inseparable for the last decade, but a drunk driver ended that.
A heavenly twink decides a mistake has been made and gives them a second chance at love.
It was a very sweet read, and despite the storyline it wasn't a depressing read, I just knew they would have their HEA.
January 5, 2013
In this cute, short story you will find two madly in love men, Ronin & Maverick. It is the kind of love that all dream of for themselves. Soul mates. We get to sneak a peek at their discovery of each other and we get to watch the adorable scene that brought them together. We get a point of view from both of them and it is so amazing to feel the emotion from both sides. We also get to watch Ronin and Mav with their rediscovery of each other. When tragedy hits this strong love where will Ronin go with himself? Will Mav be able to get passed the block that helps him get to where he should be?
I immediately took a liking to this story from page one. Author Sandrine Gasq-Dion starts with emotions that pull at your heart strings and brings you into the character and makes you feel sadness and loss right along with him. She delicately continues to play with your heart strings as we continue on this short journey of two soul mates. I love the charm she filled the pages with and the support of the families. I also adore when an author can write something this short and make it feel complete. Job well done Sandrine! I hope there are more works as I’m very interested now in your writing! If you like true love romances with a little spin on the spiritual world making an appearance to fix a mistake then this book is just right for you! I give this book my thumbs up!
I immediately took a liking to this story from page one. Author Sandrine Gasq-Dion starts with emotions that pull at your heart strings and brings you into the character and makes you feel sadness and loss right along with him. She delicately continues to play with your heart strings as we continue on this short journey of two soul mates. I love the charm she filled the pages with and the support of the families. I also adore when an author can write something this short and make it feel complete. Job well done Sandrine! I hope there are more works as I’m very interested now in your writing! If you like true love romances with a little spin on the spiritual world making an appearance to fix a mistake then this book is just right for you! I give this book my thumbs up!
December 15, 2012
This book had me hooked from the first line. I cried so hard I ended up using almost an entire box of tissues. There is one pivotal part of the story that got me (I can't say it for it will ruin it for others)But I balled. I was crying hours after reading it! This short novella truly shows Ms. Dion's writing chops. She's always written in the third person and this book was written in the first. We get to see both sides of the couple and what they're thinking. It was perfect and I would love to see her do more because I know she's got the stuff! Wonderfully emotional and gripping with Ms. Dion's signature witty/ sarcastic humor. I only wish I could give it more stars. BRAVO Sandrine! Way to show those negative Nancy's!
March 1, 2013
Wow, very touching and emotion-packed, with a side-kick of humor.
...A once in a life time Love, the pain of the ultimate Loss, and finally getting that Love back again. If only this were possible...and in this story, it is.
Such a sweet read...highly recommend.
...A once in a life time Love, the pain of the ultimate Loss, and finally getting that Love back again. If only this were possible...and in this story, it is.
Such a sweet read...highly recommend.
January 24, 2018
2.5 stars
March 1, 2013
1.5 StarsI guess I'm in the minority in my opinion of this one. This plot slightly resembles the movie "Heaven Can Wait" about a football player who died and came back from the dead in someone else's body. I loved that movie and was anticipating reading this one. But instead, I found this disappointing, the writing clunky and the story full of cliches. I also didn't like the use of the flashbacks. It felt very disjointed and took away from the moments where we should have shown the character grieving. I felt little emotional connection to the characters. Oh well, just a total disconnect for me. At least it was short.
August 12, 2013
4.5 stars
A very unique short story about two men who are separated by death but somehow find a way back to each other.
A very enjoyable read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
A very unique short story about two men who are separated by death but somehow find a way back to each other.
A very enjoyable read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
January 28, 2013
What happens when you wake up in Heaven and Gabrieltells you you've been dead a year. He tells you how he is going to fix it.
Sweet short story.
Sweet short story.
April 7, 2013
So sweet I almost cried! And even tho it was short it didn't feel too short. I could have kept reading for hours about them but it wasn't missing anything as is.
December 31, 2016
4.25 stars
A great quick read, although my heart was breaking a little bit. I get all sad when someone dies, and the burial scene was very touching. Their sex was hot although not overly descriptive. Onto Gabriel's book now.
A great quick read, although my heart was breaking a little bit. I get all sad when someone dies, and the burial scene was very touching. Their sex was hot although not overly descriptive. Onto Gabriel's book now.
October 19, 2017
Cute
Cute and a bit of an adorable short story. True love always finds a way apparently. One taken too soon but given a second chance.
Cute and a bit of an adorable short story. True love always finds a way apparently. One taken too soon but given a second chance.
July 18, 2018
Cute ❤️
March 26, 2019
It was sweet and funny, and made me laugh and cry, all the signs of a good story as far as I'm concerned. This is a trademark of her work.
June 19, 2020
An afternoon's cup of tea with just the right amount of honey!
January 4, 2015
It’s always nice reading a feel good story that’s leaves you smiling from ear to ear long after turning its last page. Second Time Around is a short story that tells the story of love lost and love found.
Ronin Eastland lost his partner of 12 years in a drunken driving accident. Truly heartbroken and devastated, he found himself slowly deteriorating determined to follow the love of his life.
Marverick Holliday wasn’t supposed to die just yet – he still got a whole life to spend with Ronin. The twink looking angel told him that he could go back to Ronin but he won’t remember who he was in previous life.
And there’s Maverick Cruise, an ER doctor who winds up treating Ronin Eastand. For some reason, Maverick instantly felt drawn to the handsome widower.
Will they ever reunite again? Is their love strong enough to recognize each other?
Interesting plot yeah? I mean, yes it’s totally cliché and so chick-litish but c’mon – you gotta love a well-written romantic fantasy every now and then. I know I do. It’s a short read but is very satisfying. I loved the whole soulmate thingy and the heaven / angel’s angle was pretty nice. The twink angel was pretty funny though. Sandrine Gasq-Dion is one fine story-teller and if you’re in the mood for some good reading – this one’s definitely for you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ronin Eastland lost his partner of 12 years in a drunken driving accident. Truly heartbroken and devastated, he found himself slowly deteriorating determined to follow the love of his life.
Marverick Holliday wasn’t supposed to die just yet – he still got a whole life to spend with Ronin. The twink looking angel told him that he could go back to Ronin but he won’t remember who he was in previous life.
And there’s Maverick Cruise, an ER doctor who winds up treating Ronin Eastand. For some reason, Maverick instantly felt drawn to the handsome widower.
Will they ever reunite again? Is their love strong enough to recognize each other?
Interesting plot yeah? I mean, yes it’s totally cliché and so chick-litish but c’mon – you gotta love a well-written romantic fantasy every now and then. I know I do. It’s a short read but is very satisfying. I loved the whole soulmate thingy and the heaven / angel’s angle was pretty nice. The twink angel was pretty funny though. Sandrine Gasq-Dion is one fine story-teller and if you’re in the mood for some good reading – this one’s definitely for you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
January 7, 2015
This is a short story written by one of my all time favorite authors. It is very different from the Assassin/shifter-12 Olympians and the Men of Manhattan series'. You can instantly tell it is still her, her style of writing is unmistakable. I loved everything about this book except the length. It was over too quick! But it is a very sweet tale of second chances and soulmates.
Ronin had loved Maverick Holliday since the first day of college. They had the kind of love that poets write about. Everyone has a guardian angel. One day, Maverick's wasn't watching and he was killed by a drunk driver. Yes, people die at all ages, but this wasn't Mav's time to die. When he reached heaven, he was told he could go back. Be put in a body when the soul left it. He looked a lot like Maverick, even had the same first name. But the catch was that he wouldn't remember his past. They would be put near each other, but they might not find each other. It was worth the risk for Mav. Ronin wasn't doing well since his death. They do come across each other and Ronin is shocked at the similarities. When they come together, Maverick gets his memories back. Those great, earth moving loves sometimes do get a second chance, if the heavens allow it.
Ronin had loved Maverick Holliday since the first day of college. They had the kind of love that poets write about. Everyone has a guardian angel. One day, Maverick's wasn't watching and he was killed by a drunk driver. Yes, people die at all ages, but this wasn't Mav's time to die. When he reached heaven, he was told he could go back. Be put in a body when the soul left it. He looked a lot like Maverick, even had the same first name. But the catch was that he wouldn't remember his past. They would be put near each other, but they might not find each other. It was worth the risk for Mav. Ronin wasn't doing well since his death. They do come across each other and Ronin is shocked at the similarities. When they come together, Maverick gets his memories back. Those great, earth moving loves sometimes do get a second chance, if the heavens allow it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2014
When Ronin met his roommate Maverick on his first day at college, he found the love of his life. They were together for twelve years, until a fatal accident killed Maverick, leaving an utterly devastated Ronin. While he slowly consumes himself, Maverick is woken up by Archangel Michael, who tells him his death was a mistake, and that he is to be given a second chance to be with Ronin… With only a little drawback: He is going to be a different person, and will retain no memory of his past life. Will Maverick be able to regain his love? Or will he move on and forget about the love of his life?
I’ve enjoyed this little story a lot. It is my first book by Sandrine, but I’m sure it is not going to be the last one. I enjoyed the sense of humour, her easiness at changing register and depicting deep feelings… the characters are likeable, the plot amusing (albeit a bit mushy) and… Well I love star wars, so…
I’ve enjoyed this little story a lot. It is my first book by Sandrine, but I’m sure it is not going to be the last one. I enjoyed the sense of humour, her easiness at changing register and depicting deep feelings… the characters are likeable, the plot amusing (albeit a bit mushy) and… Well I love star wars, so…
August 9, 2013
This was a really sweet story. Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I felt the author went a little bit too far. I would have liked it better if he hadn't had the same first name but merely a similar one, and again, I would have preferred he not be almost a twin in appearance. Finally, I would have liked there to have been a mysterious connection/bond between the two with perhaps a hint at more but not a full disclosure between themselves and their families.
Now, these complaints don't mean I didn't like the story, because I most certainly did. For me, these issues kept it at a 4 star rating instead of the 5 star it could have been. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by Gasq-Dion!
Now, these complaints don't mean I didn't like the story, because I most certainly did. For me, these issues kept it at a 4 star rating instead of the 5 star it could have been. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by Gasq-Dion!
May 16, 2013
It's a nice story, but I couldn't help but thinking that this book is an adaptation of Chances are, a late 1980s movie with Robert Downey Jr and Cybil Shepperd. That one even has one of my favorite soundtrack songs: After all by Peter Cetera and Cher.
No, I don't think it's a rip-off since they're quite different, except for the basic plot.
No, I don't think it's a rip-off since they're quite different, except for the basic plot.
January 12, 2016
If only it could happen
what a sweet love story. it's about getting a second chance with your one true love . Ronin and Maverick were together for twelve years when a car hit and kills Maverick. Oops, it wasn't his time to go, so back they send him to Ronin who has totally given up on life. Ready to join Maverick in death. When Ronin winds up in the hospital, he wonders if he is alive or dead because his second chance just walked through the door. This is a short story but true Sandrine, she delivers a great story.
what a sweet love story. it's about getting a second chance with your one true love . Ronin and Maverick were together for twelve years when a car hit and kills Maverick. Oops, it wasn't his time to go, so back they send him to Ronin who has totally given up on life. Ready to join Maverick in death. When Ronin winds up in the hospital, he wonders if he is alive or dead because his second chance just walked through the door. This is a short story but true Sandrine, she delivers a great story.
December 18, 2014
Beautiful. The perfect book to read in bed.
The amount of characterization the author provided in such a short story was amazing. I cried from the beginning to the end of the book.
I loved Mav, but Roo stole my heart. Their love story was exceptional and funny. It was great to see them having their second chance.
The book is sweet, romantic and hot. Their were great since the moment they met.
The amount of characterization the author provided in such a short story was amazing. I cried from the beginning to the end of the book.
I loved Mav, but Roo stole my heart. Their love story was exceptional and funny. It was great to see them having their second chance.
The book is sweet, romantic and hot. Their were great since the moment they met.
January 1, 2015
I put off reading this for a long time, even though I love the author and have read nearly everything else by her. I waited because I was worried the story would be too heart-wrenching before the HEA, and while I don't mind that from time to time, currently I'm mostly looking for escapist reading that does not drag me through a valley of despair before giving me the warm/gooey HEA at the end. Thankfully I was worried for nothing. It was a lovely read.
September 21, 2015
The blurb caught my attention. It was a gread idea. I enjoyed the first half of the story, but the second was just ok.
What killed my mood was that Mav was pretty much the same person. How can he be replaced in another person's identical body?! I expect him to have the same soul not the same body also.
As a short book i guess that's why the author chose this ending.
It had potential to be awesome but it was just a good and cute reading.
What killed my mood was that Mav was pretty much the same person. How can he be replaced in another person's identical body?! I expect him to have the same soul not the same body also.
As a short book i guess that's why the author chose this ending.
It had potential to be awesome but it was just a good and cute reading.
December 31, 2014
I adored everything about this short story! I'm a big Star Wars fan & loved the relationship between Ronin & Mav!!! I'd love to see more of them in another story in the future! Thanks Sandrine Gasq-Dion for a fabulous read!
December 7, 2014
Sweet Tears!
I was crying by the second page of this book. It was so sweet and heartbreaking all in one. I felt so sorry for Ronin he was wasting away without Maverick, and even though it was not a good idea to stop eating and passing out. It did get Ronin to the hospital where he found his true love once again. I could have used a lot more of Ronin and Maverick.
I was crying by the second page of this book. It was so sweet and heartbreaking all in one. I felt so sorry for Ronin he was wasting away without Maverick, and even though it was not a good idea to stop eating and passing out. It did get Ronin to the hospital where he found his true love once again. I could have used a lot more of Ronin and Maverick.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews