What do you think?
Rate this book
Storm Boys #0.5
Second Chance at First Love
PREQUEL TO THE STORM BOYS SERIES
Paul Morgan has been running his luxury camping tour business in Kakadu National Park for the last five years. Taking small groups glamping, hiking, climbing, and swimming. It’s been a busy five years, a hard five years, as he tried to forget the man he left behind.
Derek Grimes pushes people away—a self-preservation reflex. Because they can’t break his heart if he breaks theirs first, right? Five years on, lost and lonely, he tracks down the one and only love of his life. Maybe seeing how Paul had moved on will help Derek move on too . . .
Paul can’t believe it when a familiar name pops up on his client list, and Derek can’t believe how good Paul looks, or just how happy living his dream job has made him. The spark between them never waned, but five years on, they’ve learned a few things about themselves and what they want.
They could have everything they ever dreamed of—if they’re prepared to trust each other. Because a second chance at first love comes but once in a lifetime.
Paul Morgan has been running his luxury camping tour business in Kakadu National Park for the last five years. Taking small groups glamping, hiking, climbing, and swimming. It’s been a busy five years, a hard five years, as he tried to forget the man he left behind.
Derek Grimes pushes people away—a self-preservation reflex. Because they can’t break his heart if he breaks theirs first, right? Five years on, lost and lonely, he tracks down the one and only love of his life. Maybe seeing how Paul had moved on will help Derek move on too . . .
Paul can’t believe it when a familiar name pops up on his client list, and Derek can’t believe how good Paul looks, or just how happy living his dream job has made him. The spark between them never waned, but five years on, they’ve learned a few things about themselves and what they want.
They could have everything they ever dreamed of—if they’re prepared to trust each other. Because a second chance at first love comes but once in a lifetime.
Audiobook
First published May 23, 2023
About the author
N.R. Walker
113 books4,955 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
May 27, 2023
This was a good introduction to a new series. I really liked the setting and the atmosphere. The cover is very true to the story and it looks amazing. I wouldn't mind spending a few days there, on condition that nothing crawls into my tent at night. 😅
Derek and Paul are likable characters but, due to the length of the story, everything felt rushed. I didn't care about the intimate scene. I never do in stories this short, as they often feel forced and generic. Also, I find the question "Like what you see?" a bit overdone by now.
On a positive note, I think that Derek and Paul work well together. I liked how things turned out for them in the end, especially Derek's contribution to the camping business.
Edit: I've checked. It's "See something you like?". Equally overdone.
Derek and Paul are likable characters but, due to the length of the story, everything felt rushed. I didn't care about the intimate scene. I never do in stories this short, as they often feel forced and generic. Also, I find the question "Like what you see?" a bit overdone by now.
On a positive note, I think that Derek and Paul work well together. I liked how things turned out for them in the end, especially Derek's contribution to the camping business.
Edit: I've checked. It's "See something you like?". Equally overdone.
January 27, 2024
Second Chance at First Love is book #0.5 in the brand new Storm Boys series by N.R. Walker. There was something about the cover and blurb of this that pulled me in. Plus, I’ve grown to trust N.R. Walker to write books that just seem to be perfect for me. This was a quick read, and was sweet, swoony and pretty much no angst. Just a wonderful book to spend the afternoon with.
Paul Morgan is the owner and sole proprietor of a luxury camping tour business in Kakadu National Park in Australia. It’s been his dream to run a business like this and he’s been lucky enough to be doing it for almost five years. But when he reads the list of clients for this next tour, he’s shocked to see a name from his past. Derek Grimes. The only man he ever loved.
Derek is thirty three years old and has spent the last five years barely existing. Ever since he and Paul split up. It left a hole that he could never fill in his heart. He has to find a way to move on so perhaps going on this tour, seeing Paul again, that he is happy and has moved on with his own life, will help him to let go of the past.
But when these two see each other, it’s like the years never happened. That same connection is still there. But there is a reason they broke up. Is there a chance to figure things out? To finally say all the things they should have said years ago? Could this be their second chance at love?
I adored these two. They are both older now and wiser. They know there are things that need to be dealt with. This is a great start into this new series. I can’t wait to read the next book, which is already out, book one, Outrun the Rain.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Paul Morgan is the owner and sole proprietor of a luxury camping tour business in Kakadu National Park in Australia. It’s been his dream to run a business like this and he’s been lucky enough to be doing it for almost five years. But when he reads the list of clients for this next tour, he’s shocked to see a name from his past. Derek Grimes. The only man he ever loved.
Derek is thirty three years old and has spent the last five years barely existing. Ever since he and Paul split up. It left a hole that he could never fill in his heart. He has to find a way to move on so perhaps going on this tour, seeing Paul again, that he is happy and has moved on with his own life, will help him to let go of the past.
But when these two see each other, it’s like the years never happened. That same connection is still there. But there is a reason they broke up. Is there a chance to figure things out? To finally say all the things they should have said years ago? Could this be their second chance at love?
I adored these two. They are both older now and wiser. They know there are things that need to be dealt with. This is a great start into this new series. I can’t wait to read the next book, which is already out, book one, Outrun the Rain.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 28, 2023
4/5
I was supposed to wait till the whole series will be released to read it, but decided to try this novella first to see if I will even like it. Turns out I liked it. Even a lot. I’m still will be waiting to read Tully and Jeremiah’s story, because it’s a three book series about them as it seems, and I want it read it all at once. I just hate cliffhangers.
I was soo invested in this novella. It was short, but these men made made me fell all types of emotions. Second chance romances are either a hit or miss for me. Mostly because I'm usually worried about what the reason for the breakup was. If the reason was dumb or it was a miscommunication, I know I won’t like it. In this case the reason made sense and even made me cry, so that means something.
N.R. Walker's books are always so unique, and so was this story. The novella is about Paul and Derek who reunite after five years of not seeing each other at Paul's camping tour in Kakadu National Park. The meeting turns out to be not so unexpected, because both still have feelings for each other. Five days together in the middle of nowhere will change everything for them.
I can definitely recommend it. It's short, so the feeling of insufficiency remains, but it's only supposed to be an introduction to the new series. So I guess it made sense. Can’t wait to about Tully and Jeremiah next.
I was supposed to wait till the whole series will be released to read it, but decided to try this novella first to see if I will even like it. Turns out I liked it. Even a lot. I’m still will be waiting to read Tully and Jeremiah’s story, because it’s a three book series about them as it seems, and I want it read it all at once. I just hate cliffhangers.
I was soo invested in this novella. It was short, but these men made made me fell all types of emotions. Second chance romances are either a hit or miss for me. Mostly because I'm usually worried about what the reason for the breakup was. If the reason was dumb or it was a miscommunication, I know I won’t like it. In this case the reason made sense and even made me cry, so that means something.
N.R. Walker's books are always so unique, and so was this story. The novella is about Paul and Derek who reunite after five years of not seeing each other at Paul's camping tour in Kakadu National Park. The meeting turns out to be not so unexpected, because both still have feelings for each other. Five days together in the middle of nowhere will change everything for them.
"He nodded, but another tear escaped down his cheek. “I just want to be with you. In whatever capacity, whatever it takes.” He wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. “I’ve never known peace except when I’m with you.”
I can definitely recommend it. It's short, so the feeling of insufficiency remains, but it's only supposed to be an introduction to the new series. So I guess it made sense. Can’t wait to about Tully and Jeremiah next.
January 23, 2024
3 Stars
A solid jumping off point for the series, Second Chance at First Love introduces some of the faces and settings from Walker’s Storm Boys trilogy, with a short periphery story about life, adventure, and reclaiming true love in the great southern land (Australia).
I liked the focus couple, Paul and Derek—two lonely souls who once loved and lost, due to pride and youthful mistakes, now finding the courage to recapture the love that neither have found with another since. As far as second chance romances go, theirs is a sweet and heartfelt story, watching Paul and Derek as they reunite under the stars, with the backdrop of the Kakadu National Park (located in the Northern Territory of Australia) practically stealing the show all around them with every wondrous scene.
I believe Walker shines the most when she’s writing stories set in the Aussie outback, always establishing such a spectacular sense of person and place that readers become totally absorbed by. She did it so effortlessly with Red Dirt Heart, Imago and Davo, and I have no doubt this Storm Boys series will join those ranks, after the little, but vivid, glimpse of Kakadu we got to see here.
Although second chance romances aren’t usually my cup of tea—especially when the focus is exes reuniting—Walker made Paul and Derek’s love story so easy to connect with and root for, making me overlook my regular qualms with this (overused) trope, as only a truly great author can.
At the very end, we briefly get a squizz at the trilogies leading men, storm chaser Tully and fulminologist Jeremiah, and I’m now sufficiently prepped and raring to go for book one, Outrun the Rain.
*************************************
Audio Edition:
When I’m considering audio upgrades, these days, it’s even more about the narrator than it is the story/author at hand for me, and I must say, Glen Lloyd is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you’re looking to listen to Australian set stories narrated by actual Australians. After years of being fed up with foreign voice actors delivering cringey Aussie accents, as an Australian myself, I couldn’t be more stoked that narrators like Lloyd are getting their time to shine. In the handful of stories I’ve listened to with Lloyd at the vocal helm, I’ve been impressed by his range, delivery, and all-around ability to make the characters he’s performing feel authentic and so wonderfully affable.
In conclusion, Glen Lloyd is awesome and I love listening to his narrations, especially when they’re N.R. Walker stories guiding the way.
A solid jumping off point for the series, Second Chance at First Love introduces some of the faces and settings from Walker’s Storm Boys trilogy, with a short periphery story about life, adventure, and reclaiming true love in the great southern land (Australia).
I liked the focus couple, Paul and Derek—two lonely souls who once loved and lost, due to pride and youthful mistakes, now finding the courage to recapture the love that neither have found with another since. As far as second chance romances go, theirs is a sweet and heartfelt story, watching Paul and Derek as they reunite under the stars, with the backdrop of the Kakadu National Park (located in the Northern Territory of Australia) practically stealing the show all around them with every wondrous scene.
I believe Walker shines the most when she’s writing stories set in the Aussie outback, always establishing such a spectacular sense of person and place that readers become totally absorbed by. She did it so effortlessly with Red Dirt Heart, Imago and Davo, and I have no doubt this Storm Boys series will join those ranks, after the little, but vivid, glimpse of Kakadu we got to see here.
Although second chance romances aren’t usually my cup of tea—especially when the focus is exes reuniting—Walker made Paul and Derek’s love story so easy to connect with and root for, making me overlook my regular qualms with this (overused) trope, as only a truly great author can.
At the very end, we briefly get a squizz at the trilogies leading men, storm chaser Tully and fulminologist Jeremiah, and I’m now sufficiently prepped and raring to go for book one, Outrun the Rain.
*************************************
Audio Edition:
When I’m considering audio upgrades, these days, it’s even more about the narrator than it is the story/author at hand for me, and I must say, Glen Lloyd is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you’re looking to listen to Australian set stories narrated by actual Australians. After years of being fed up with foreign voice actors delivering cringey Aussie accents, as an Australian myself, I couldn’t be more stoked that narrators like Lloyd are getting their time to shine. In the handful of stories I’ve listened to with Lloyd at the vocal helm, I’ve been impressed by his range, delivery, and all-around ability to make the characters he’s performing feel authentic and so wonderfully affable.
In conclusion, Glen Lloyd is awesome and I love listening to his narrations, especially when they’re N.R. Walker stories guiding the way.
May 24, 2023
New series from N.R. Walker? Bring it.
This prequel introduces us to what I think will be the series setting: Kakadu, a wilderness area/national park in Australia brimming with vistas, hiking trails, and ancient drawings. This is yet another place I need to visit before I die.
I'm not really into ex redemption stories, but I believe that Paul and Derek can make it work the second time around (and the epilogue proves it), even though Derek took on too much of the blame for their breakup.
From where I'm sitting, Paul is the one who walked out. I can't bash Derek for being too scared to drop his entire life and follow Paul.
Paul kept saying that they were so young back then, but, come on, it's been five years. Barring extraordinary circumstances, adults don't grow and change that much in five years. A decade, sure, but going from say 25 to 30 isn't monumental. (I'm just throwing out guesstimates because Paul and Derek's ages aren't mentioned).
A fairly steamy scene is included, which gives me hope that the sexy moments in this series won't all fade to black (as is Walker's habit).
I think this is a promising beginning, and I can't wait to chase more storms in Kakadu.
This prequel introduces us to what I think will be the series setting: Kakadu, a wilderness area/national park in Australia brimming with vistas, hiking trails, and ancient drawings. This is yet another place I need to visit before I die.
I'm not really into ex redemption stories, but I believe that Paul and Derek can make it work the second time around (and the epilogue proves it), even though Derek took on too much of the blame for their breakup.
From where I'm sitting, Paul is the one who walked out. I can't bash Derek for being too scared to drop his entire life and follow Paul.
Paul kept saying that they were so young back then, but, come on, it's been five years. Barring extraordinary circumstances, adults don't grow and change that much in five years. A decade, sure, but going from say 25 to 30 isn't monumental. (I'm just throwing out guesstimates because Paul and Derek's ages aren't mentioned).
A fairly steamy scene is included, which gives me hope that the sexy moments in this series won't all fade to black (as is Walker's habit).
I think this is a promising beginning, and I can't wait to chase more storms in Kakadu.
May 25, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“You search the sky every night looking for peace, but, Derek, it’s not up there. It’s right here,” he said, his palm pressed over my heart. “The peace you need to look for is in here.”
“My peace starts here with you.”
Not too sure, I made the right call by reading Second Chance at First Love:... as my first foray into N.R. Walker's writing style, but it was a new release and I have heard good things about their books, so yeah, I'm here. And I wasn't that deeply disappointed - nor was I too blown away by it either. This is probably a personal issue with me - as I'm always slightly wary when it comes to novellas.
Still, this was a cute beginning to what has the potential to be a promising and unique series. Paul and Derek have a history of being together five years ago, but then broke up with each other - for reasons, not quite clearly stated at the moment. I'm guessing it may be due to the fact that their romance may be one of the stories featured in the series. 🤔
“You’re always focused on things so far out of reach, but you can’t see what’s right in front of you. It was one of the last things he ever said to me. Before he left me.
Before I pushed him away. Those words haunted me still.
And maybe that was why I was here. To see what had been right in front of me.”
There was clearly a lot of water under the bridge shared between Paul and Derek. Even after reuniting after five years, it was clear that neither of them had forgotten each other or were over their relationship. So, in a five day trek through the Kakadu National Park, as Paul as the designated tour guide, their flames are re-kindled as the two of them have the rare opportunity to talk about their feelings and even with the odds stacked against them - even with it not seeming realistically possible or feasible for them together - maybe, perhaps, they might give each other a second chance. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“You asked me what I wanted. Just this; you and me, and nothing else. That’s what I want.”
It was a nice dream. But reality and finances would probably disagree.
He seemed to read my mind. “I don’t know how to make it happen. But this is what I want.”
I reached out and squeezed his hand. “If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.”
And even in a limited time frame, unless these characters were introduced elsewhere, and I feel like an absolute fool - I appreciated that we did get a little bit into both MC's personalities and their inner thoughts as they sized each other up after five years. That both of them wanted a second chance with each other - to forgive and forget and find a way back to each other, despite the time difference - which, really isn't a lot, but still. 🤷 And to also acknowledge and appreciate the subtle changes and the not-so apparent differences that made them want each other more. 💜💜
I did feel myself leaning more towards Derek as a character I liked - even though, he was the one who was never able to let his love go - his love for astronomy - his willingness to express his feelings - his obvious and open-hearted confession and attraction to Paul - filled my heart with such fondness and brought a smile to my face. 😊
“It’s how I felt when you left,” I admitted. “That I’d taken your love and decimated it. I’d ruined everything good in my life. Everything that was pure and worth anything. Until there was nothing left, just a massive black hole.”
He smiled sadly. “No, this nebula is like you because it’s made up of a million beautiful moving parts just looking for peace.”
All in all, this was a quick light on the angst, but big on the heart read that topped itself up nicely *pun intended* with some fun yet spicy reunion sex. Plus, with an introductory tease to some new and intriguing characters that just might have piqued my curiosity enough to see what stormy weather will blow their way. 🥰🥰
“You search the sky every night looking for peace, but, Derek, it’s not up there. It’s right here,” he said, his palm pressed over my heart. “The peace you need to look for is in here.”
“My peace starts here with you.”
Not too sure, I made the right call by reading Second Chance at First Love:... as my first foray into N.R. Walker's writing style, but it was a new release and I have heard good things about their books, so yeah, I'm here. And I wasn't that deeply disappointed - nor was I too blown away by it either. This is probably a personal issue with me - as I'm always slightly wary when it comes to novellas.
Still, this was a cute beginning to what has the potential to be a promising and unique series. Paul and Derek have a history of being together five years ago, but then broke up with each other - for reasons, not quite clearly stated at the moment. I'm guessing it may be due to the fact that their romance may be one of the stories featured in the series. 🤔
“You’re always focused on things so far out of reach, but you can’t see what’s right in front of you. It was one of the last things he ever said to me. Before he left me.
Before I pushed him away. Those words haunted me still.
And maybe that was why I was here. To see what had been right in front of me.”
There was clearly a lot of water under the bridge shared between Paul and Derek. Even after reuniting after five years, it was clear that neither of them had forgotten each other or were over their relationship. So, in a five day trek through the Kakadu National Park, as Paul as the designated tour guide, their flames are re-kindled as the two of them have the rare opportunity to talk about their feelings and even with the odds stacked against them - even with it not seeming realistically possible or feasible for them together - maybe, perhaps, they might give each other a second chance. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“You asked me what I wanted. Just this; you and me, and nothing else. That’s what I want.”
It was a nice dream. But reality and finances would probably disagree.
He seemed to read my mind. “I don’t know how to make it happen. But this is what I want.”
I reached out and squeezed his hand. “If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.”
And even in a limited time frame, unless these characters were introduced elsewhere, and I feel like an absolute fool - I appreciated that we did get a little bit into both MC's personalities and their inner thoughts as they sized each other up after five years. That both of them wanted a second chance with each other - to forgive and forget and find a way back to each other, despite the time difference - which, really isn't a lot, but still. 🤷 And to also acknowledge and appreciate the subtle changes and the not-so apparent differences that made them want each other more. 💜💜
I did feel myself leaning more towards Derek as a character I liked - even though, he was the one who was never able to let his love go - his love for astronomy - his willingness to express his feelings - his obvious and open-hearted confession and attraction to Paul - filled my heart with such fondness and brought a smile to my face. 😊
“It’s how I felt when you left,” I admitted. “That I’d taken your love and decimated it. I’d ruined everything good in my life. Everything that was pure and worth anything. Until there was nothing left, just a massive black hole.”
He smiled sadly. “No, this nebula is like you because it’s made up of a million beautiful moving parts just looking for peace.”
All in all, this was a quick light on the angst, but big on the heart read that topped itself up nicely *pun intended* with some fun yet spicy reunion sex. Plus, with an introductory tease to some new and intriguing characters that just might have piqued my curiosity enough to see what stormy weather will blow their way. 🥰🥰
June 20, 2023
This was a okay for a short second chance romance. I was hooked in the first half just like any other NRW stories. They said they didn’t wanna focus on sex and wanna “talk” about their starting over issue until they’re both ready, but they had sex not long after and I didn’t like it. For a second chance love, I wanted a lot of emotional immaturity and focus more on emotional connection between the MCs other than their detailed histories. Anyway, this was good for this slumpy mood.
July 25, 2023
Loved this!
I've been completely obsessed with the Northern Territory since I was a kid, and did SO MANY school projects on it whenever we got free choice of topic 😂. Always happy when it's the setting of a book.
Really excited to read the rest of the series.
I've been completely obsessed with the Northern Territory since I was a kid, and did SO MANY school projects on it whenever we got free choice of topic 😂. Always happy when it's the setting of a book.
Really excited to read the rest of the series.
May 29, 2023
Did I sabotage my bed?
Yes. Was I sorry?
Not one bit.
Paul was kinda mad, and I should have felt bad about that, but I threw my bag down on the floor of his bedroom and grinned at him.
“Oh no. There’s only one bed.”
Second Chance at First Lovewas a great prequel novella. As the title suggests, it's Paul's and Derek's second chance romance.
It's been five years since they broke up and neither man has been able to move on from their first love. Derek does some snooping and discovers that Paul is living his dream, owning and running a camping tour business in Kakadu National Park.
So naturally instead of making contact, Derek books a spot on the next five day camping trip. To see if Paul still has feelings for him, or to try get some closure if he does not.
The setting for this was so beautiful and N.R. Walker manages to write a story of love rekindled in such a short page count. We get to meet Tully and Jeremiah, the character's of the main three books, at the end of this. It's only a very short meet, but I'm excited to get to read their story!
May 31, 2023
[3.4~3.5] as others have touched upon already, novellas like these are not conducive to well-developed, meaty second chance romances, so their backstory reveal and eventual forgiveness were rushed and underwhelming in that respect. however! considering the lack of success i've had with NR Walker's recent releases, this wasn't a bad start at all. rounding up because nebulas and for the series potential!
who else is going into Tully and Jeremiah's story with a hearty prayer and cautious optimism? 👀
who else is going into Tully and Jeremiah's story with a hearty prayer and cautious optimism? 👀
September 3, 2023
Nice setting but didn’t care much for the characters. Derek sounds like bad news. The bed sabotage, not really respecting the other mc’s want to talk it all through without sex, the whole ‘can’t be happy without you’ thing. So selfish of Derek to just turn up and corner him like that, what if he had a new partner and then Derek is stuck in the tiny outback camp for 5 days with them, making things awkward? Derek has been a wallowing mess for the last 5 years and the other guy has been heartbroken but still managed to keep his shit together and create a successful business and life for himself. Run dude, Derek is only going to drag you down.
January 30, 2024
The story is interesting but not developed that well. Just threw the characters and their problems at us.
June 11, 2023
This was a cute little snack.
N.R. Walker always does a good job of writing sweet, emotional stories without any cringe or cheese. This one was very low angst and a very light read, but also very short. I wish we had gotten to know a little bit more about why Derek was so damaged so I could really buy in to how he had changed and grown. But alas this was a nice way to pass an afternoon and the setting was amazing. I’m going to have to get out to Australia soon to see all these awesome places Walker writes about.
Short note on the narration: Glenn Lloyd did a decent job and I liked his voice, but I don’t think he did enough to differentiate the two main characters and had trouble knowing who’s POV we were in or who was speaking. Changing the timbre of his voice between characters would have gone a long way to making this a great audio.
N.R. Walker always does a good job of writing sweet, emotional stories without any cringe or cheese. This one was very low angst and a very light read, but also very short. I wish we had gotten to know a little bit more about why Derek was so damaged so I could really buy in to how he had changed and grown. But alas this was a nice way to pass an afternoon and the setting was amazing. I’m going to have to get out to Australia soon to see all these awesome places Walker writes about.
Short note on the narration: Glenn Lloyd did a decent job and I liked his voice, but I don’t think he did enough to differentiate the two main characters and had trouble knowing who’s POV we were in or who was speaking. Changing the timbre of his voice between characters would have gone a long way to making this a great audio.
May 23, 2023
Starting a new N.R Walker book always feel a little like coming home and this was no different. I can't wait to get into this series and see how it will turn out.
This is a fast paced second chance romance spending over a five day camping trip. After 5 years apart Paul was not expecting to see his ex Dereks name on the list of attendees of his incoming camping trip. Derek has been planning on seeing Paul though and what follows is a really sweet reunion. I love it when N.R. Walker does low angst so I was sold from the start
This is a fast paced second chance romance spending over a five day camping trip. After 5 years apart Paul was not expecting to see his ex Dereks name on the list of attendees of his incoming camping trip. Derek has been planning on seeing Paul though and what follows is a really sweet reunion. I love it when N.R. Walker does low angst so I was sold from the start
May 23, 2023
~4.5
NRW is one of a very few authors who can write compelling short stories. Yes, there is always a place for more, but what we've got is also enough. Enough to fall in love, to feel, and even cry a little.
I loved Derek and Paul and their second chance at first love.
NRW is one of a very few authors who can write compelling short stories. Yes, there is always a place for more, but what we've got is also enough. Enough to fall in love, to feel, and even cry a little.
I loved Derek and Paul and their second chance at first love.
May 28, 2023
4 Stars!! ❤️❤️ Loved this prequel to NRW’s new series. 😍 The is a second-chance romance story; both MCs are likable and interesting, especially Derek. Since it’s a novella, there’s not much background or in-depth history. However there’s intense chemistry and sweet HEA with lots of possibilities 💖💖 I also loved the Australian backdrop, I feel like I’m learning so much about Australia from NRW’s books. 🥰 Wish I could travel there and see all these wonderful places she writes about. 🤩 Highly recommended to all fans of NRW 👍🏻👍🏻 I’m looking forward to this new series.
December 17, 2024
Honestly… mehhhh, seemed a lot of issues to be presented and resolved in 100 pages. Also didn’t really connect with either Mc.
The landscapes and wild life in Kakadu Park we’re just beautiful 🤩
The landscapes and wild life in Kakadu Park we’re just beautiful 🤩
May 29, 2023
This was a decent intro to a new series. Not great, but not bad either. I loved the national park setting. I kind of want to trade my suburban life for the glamping tent on the cover, but Australia has too much flora and fauna that isn't compatible with my particular set of survival skills (of which I have none). Paul and Derek seemed like decent guys and I was happy that after 5 years apart they were able to build something new together, but their story of reconnection was kind of bland and uneventful. I honestly don't think the abbreviated novella format lends itself to a second chance romance. There's too much backstory required to really sell it and that's hard to accomplish in 102 pages. However, as a prequel it did it's job because I am definitely curious about The Storm Boys series. I find storm chasers fascinating and am already intrigued by the dynamic between Tully and Jeremiah.
July 7, 2023
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐 🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭
A nice start to a new Australian series, with this novella giving us an idea of what living in the Northern Territory of Australia, near Darwin & Kakadu National Park is like. I loved all the cultural & First Nations references, seen through the eyes of Jake, a camping tour guide. His ex boyfriend & first love Derek joins his tour, and they are forced to acknowledge each of their roles in the breakdown of their love. Neither has moved on, and they each wish for a second chance. As the majority of the book sees their reunion happening over 4 days (apart from the epilogue), it does stretch our imaginations a little, but it’s still meaningful & heartfelt, and a great introduction to the couple for the first book in the series after this. An enjoyable quick read.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, StoryGraph & Bookbub, all under the same name!
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐 🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭
A nice start to a new Australian series, with this novella giving us an idea of what living in the Northern Territory of Australia, near Darwin & Kakadu National Park is like. I loved all the cultural & First Nations references, seen through the eyes of Jake, a camping tour guide. His ex boyfriend & first love Derek joins his tour, and they are forced to acknowledge each of their roles in the breakdown of their love. Neither has moved on, and they each wish for a second chance. As the majority of the book sees their reunion happening over 4 days (apart from the epilogue), it does stretch our imaginations a little, but it’s still meaningful & heartfelt, and a great introduction to the couple for the first book in the series after this. An enjoyable quick read.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, StoryGraph & Bookbub, all under the same name!
May 23, 2023
Cute short story prequel, meant to introduce the setting and offer a sneak-peak at the couple that will take center-stage in the main trilogy.
This one focuses on a different couple, and while the past relationship trope is one of my least favorites, I thought it was tolerable here. I did find myself wanting a bit more equality in taking blame for the past break-up--Paul mentions he was also at fault a few times, but it's clear Derek has taken all of the blame on his shoulders and I do wish we'd seen Paul push a little harder to make it clear, but that might be a personal preference thing. The smut didn't really do much for me--I'm not totally sure why, but it was almost a little squicky for me, maybe because tonaly it just didn't quite vibe with the more melancholic vibe of the book that it felt kind of like whiplash? I haven't been vibing much with Walker's latest releases though, and even with my quibbles here, I enjoyed this more than I expected, so I'm tentatively hopeful for the main trilogy! Didn't hurt that I'm on a space/astrology kick lately, so I enjoyed those little inclusions in this one. :D
This one focuses on a different couple, and while the past relationship trope is one of my least favorites, I thought it was tolerable here. I did find myself wanting a bit more equality in taking blame for the past break-up--Paul mentions he was also at fault a few times, but it's clear Derek has taken all of the blame on his shoulders and I do wish we'd seen Paul push a little harder to make it clear, but that might be a personal preference thing. The smut didn't really do much for me--I'm not totally sure why, but it was almost a little squicky for me, maybe because tonaly it just didn't quite vibe with the more melancholic vibe of the book that it felt kind of like whiplash? I haven't been vibing much with Walker's latest releases though, and even with my quibbles here, I enjoyed this more than I expected, so I'm tentatively hopeful for the main trilogy! Didn't hurt that I'm on a space/astrology kick lately, so I enjoyed those little inclusions in this one. :D
June 7, 2023
3.5 rounded up. I really liked this one, the world building was good and the couple cute. They communicated well which I always like. It was short and I wanted more but more of the before. Their first relationship and their break-up. Honestly the details on both remain a bit fuzzy to me. Same for their backstories. I mean Derek's dad is in jail but for what? Why/how was his childhood bad? Despite the lack of details I really had fun.
Read
July 13, 2023I’m not even gonna rate it. That’s how underwhelming this was. I have zero feelings about it, good or bad, so can’t fairly assign it a star rating.
June 2, 2023
I can’t believe my own rating but I was so bored. The entire time that I was reading this I wondered if NR Walker had a body snatchers episode. 😂 This didn’t feel like her usual writing style and she’s one of my favorite authors.
November 23, 2024
Paul is content working in his dream job running tours for tourists in Kakadu National Park. Paul does his best to live in the here and now, not dwelling on the past or the beautiful man he left behind, but he simply can't seem to forget. Then the name Derek Grimes shows up on his next tour list. Does he dare to dream its “his” Derek. If it is, how will he feel about seeing him again?
Derek is nervous about seeing Paul again also, but he needs to know how he is doing and what his feelings are since the last time they were together. Derek knew that he had to learn to live without Paul and move on, but he's been unable to do that ever since Paul left. He thinks to himself, "what's the worst thing that can happen?" Paul could tell him to leave, go back home and leave him alone or just perhaps, there is the slim chance that Paul has missed him just as much as he's has missed Paul. He will never know if he doesn't give it a try. The first meeting is awkward, but as the week goes on, things get much better after they both realize that the flame that once burned so bright those five years ago, is alive...still burning there. They can rekindle it if they want to...if they recognize that they are not the same people they were back then.
This is such a sweet and endearing story that really touches the heart. I love second chance stories that the people actually work on making something happen. As I said, I have already visited this park with other guides and other couples that found their second chance or even their first...but even if I hadn't read the others, I would have found this story to be a great start and I can absolutely recommend this great series. Glen Lloyd does a fantastic job on the voices.
Derek is nervous about seeing Paul again also, but he needs to know how he is doing and what his feelings are since the last time they were together. Derek knew that he had to learn to live without Paul and move on, but he's been unable to do that ever since Paul left. He thinks to himself, "what's the worst thing that can happen?" Paul could tell him to leave, go back home and leave him alone or just perhaps, there is the slim chance that Paul has missed him just as much as he's has missed Paul. He will never know if he doesn't give it a try. The first meeting is awkward, but as the week goes on, things get much better after they both realize that the flame that once burned so bright those five years ago, is alive...still burning there. They can rekindle it if they want to...if they recognize that they are not the same people they were back then.
This is such a sweet and endearing story that really touches the heart. I love second chance stories that the people actually work on making something happen. As I said, I have already visited this park with other guides and other couples that found their second chance or even their first...but even if I hadn't read the others, I would have found this story to be a great start and I can absolutely recommend this great series. Glen Lloyd does a fantastic job on the voices.
May 24, 2023
Short and sweet second chance story to start off this new series. This takes place in the wilderness of Kakadu and I felt the setting all around me while reading this; N.R. Walker’s words create such a vivid image in my mind. Derek and Paul reconnecting and trying again healed something inside of me. Hurt people hurt people. Derek is a fragile person who’s been through hell and back, but was finally able to get out his emotions and advocate for himself.
I could not be more excited for this new series by N.R. Walker.
“It was born from a cataclysmic disaster. It has a black hole in its centre, holding it all together with a disproportionate gravitational pull. It pulls everything into its heart and decimates it.” My voice hitched, so I swallowed so I could speak. “Like me.”
I could not be more excited for this new series by N.R. Walker.
“It was born from a cataclysmic disaster. It has a black hole in its centre, holding it all together with a disproportionate gravitational pull. It pulls everything into its heart and decimates it.” My voice hitched, so I swallowed so I could speak. “Like me.”
May 31, 2023
This was a really sweet novella! I haven’t read this author in a long time because I wasn’t really into a lot of their books but this cover drew me in, it’s gorgeous. The blurb sounded irresistible, exes reunited, and the camping tour was the cherry on top! It was short and I do wish we had more depth to the characters but I enjoyed it and I am definitely interested in the series!!!! The next book will be a different couple but this location is fascinating to me. So many books I’ve read lately have taken place in stunning locations that I’d love to visit!
June 7, 2023
Cute series prequel with a second chance theme
This was short and sweet and acts as a great prequel to set up Nic's new series set in the Kakadu National Park near Darwin.
It's a second chance romance set five years after the original break-up and it works well.
I felt both Paul and Derek had matured and realised they'd both made mistakes at the time which they realised could have been worked through.
It's medium steam, they don't get it on until nearly the end but it's a nicely emotional scene which hits the right notes gorgeous two men reconnecting.
This was short and sweet and acts as a great prequel to set up Nic's new series set in the Kakadu National Park near Darwin.
It's a second chance romance set five years after the original break-up and it works well.
I felt both Paul and Derek had matured and realised they'd both made mistakes at the time which they realised could have been worked through.
It's medium steam, they don't get it on until nearly the end but it's a nicely emotional scene which hits the right notes gorgeous two men reconnecting.
June 11, 2023
***3.6***
Sweet short introduction into a new series. Love that the couple emphasizes the necessity of communication as a key element of a functioning relationship. No angst or action that makes your pulse raze. Sweet, comfortable second chat at love short novella.
Sweet short introduction into a new series. Love that the couple emphasizes the necessity of communication as a key element of a functioning relationship. No angst or action that makes your pulse raze. Sweet, comfortable second chat at love short novella.
May 23, 2023
I loved the writing, but I really really dislikes Paul, one of the MCs. That´s why it´s only 3 stars for me.
June 6, 2023
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I feel that this would have great potential for a full length novel.
So I feel cheated out of something great.
I enjoyed the story and the characters though. I'm being greedy.
I get like that when I see potential.
I would love to see what this series brings us. It's no secret
that I'm a big NR Walker fan. So hopeful ;-)
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I feel that this would have great potential for a full length novel.
So I feel cheated out of something great.
I enjoyed the story and the characters though. I'm being greedy.
I get like that when I see potential.
I would love to see what this series brings us. It's no secret
that I'm a big NR Walker fan. So hopeful ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews