For All It's Worth (Second Chances #2) by Jax Stuart

For All It's Worth (Second Chances #2) Reviews

• 
  Janet Hunt

  I got the honor of beta reading this one! The author constantly surprises me with how much she’s grown as a writer after having only one full length novel and a couple of short stories! We meet Charlie and Max in So Worth More. Charlie was in desperate need of help. Max was his best friend and just couldn’t put himself through all the havoc that Charlie created anymore. Charlie goes to rehab and when he gets out, he must wait a bit for Max to come around. Their relationship journey was beautiful! The characters are well fleshed out, complex and well written, they felt realistic! I love that we get little glimpses of Andy, Will and some previous characters. Overall, a fantastic read! It kept me engaged, turning the pages. The story was really well written, the pacing was smooth, highly recommend.
• 
  Florence .

  RTC but damn did I enjoy this book. This was everything I wanted it to be and it made me so emotional, this book just really got to me and I adored every seconds of it. This was just everything I wanted and I really appreciated every seconds of it.
  
  I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review
• 
  Ana Nimity

  I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one. I have a thing for bad boys, reformed or not, and I love a well-done redemption story. Jax Stuart did well with this one, making me love Charlie so much, and want all the best things for him.
  We met him in Book 1, and while you could probably read this as a standalone, I don't recommend it. You won't get the full effect of the turnaround for Charlie.
  Trigger warnings for addiction, alcohol use, and a brief scene with on-page violence. Nothing is gratuitous, though. Nothing is just for shock value; everything advances the story.
  It's funny in places, sexy throughout, and an overall engaging story. I'm eager to read the next one!
• 
  Amy Voce

  This was a perfectly executed best friends to lovers, all the characters were dimensional and excellently developed. With each adding to the the story line and the serious topics that took place within it. There were topic's and issues from assault, addiction, alcoholism, sexualities, trauma, PTSD, disabilities, infidelity, toxic and dysfunctional relationships. Charlie and Max faced many obstacles in their path and had many boundaries to set and overcome. Their story was so heartfelt and I was rooting for them all along.
  I loved all the progression made in the book and all the characters. I hope Henry get's his own book I absolutely adores the big guy.
  For all it's worth is book two in the second chances series.
• 
  Mary Vitrano

  I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
  Beautiful! That's what I thought after I finished this book.
  Charlie and Max are The Couple!!! As best friends they understand each other in a way anyone else can, bur what truly amazed me was Max's ability to value himself and his priorities in order to preserve his wellbeing.
  It's true, they have ups and downs, but what couple doesn't have them? But be able to face every issue and overcome it show us how much they care for each other.
  Every difficult they may have is well addressed, you can really feel what and why and how they felt that way.
  And the epilogue... It is the perfect one for them.
  I totally recommend this book, and as I already said after reading the first book in this series, I wanna know about Pete and Hanry.
• 
  Reads Gay Books

  This the first book by this author I have read, and I loved the rich backstory. I was glad reading the first book wasn’t necessary, but now I need to go read book 1 and 1.5!
  
  Charlie is going through a very rough time at the start of For All it’s Worth, and seeing his growth was wonderful. I highly related to the alcoholism, but the story was unique. Max was so sweet yet neurotic, and I loved how he finally got to have the life he could only dream of. Both characters were so sweet together. They even get a little kinky! Loved the ending.
• 
  Kristen

  Jax does it again! Another sweet entry into the Second Chances series, bringing us the story of Charlie and Max. I loved reading their journey and especially liked glimpses into all the other character's lives, especially those that we grew to love in So Worth More. For All It's Worth can be read as a standalone. Also, not to gloat, but I'm a named character in the series and I'm pretty awesome. Enjoy!
• 
  Sarah C

  For All It's Worth is the second novel by Jax Stuart and the second book in her Second Chances series, and once again, it has blown me away. The thing I love most about both books in this series so far is the actual work that the main characters have to put in for their happily ever afters - without the book drowning in angst.
  
  This book focuses on Charlie and Max, two best friends who have a falling out at the beginning of the story over Charlie's drinking. Because Charlie is an alcoholic and Max was raised by an alcoholic. He doesn't want that around him and for his own mental health, he puts his friendship with Charlie on hold. This, combined with a near death experience, wakes Charlie's family up to his drinking problem and has him going to rehab - and thus begins our story.
  
  Charlie and Max are an incredible pairing. The history they have with one another and the friendship set a solid foundation for their relationship. The fact that they're able to trust one another with the heavy stuff helps a lot. They offer a good support system for one another and their dynamic is easy to read and understand and even easier to believe.
  
  Once again, Jax does another thing that I think is so overlooked in books like this. She sends her characters to therapy and has it be a completely normalized experience. Neither of these men's lives exist solely around one another. They both have external support systems and aside from a few communication issues, they are a stronger couple because of that.
  
  This book has some incredibly steamy scenes as well. Jax is great at writing some spice and even better at writing the emotions behind the spice.
  
  For All It's Worth is a low angst dual POV story about forgiveness and finding strength not only with a partner but within yourself. (Also Henry and Pete book WHEN Jax? When?!)
  
  ** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW **
• 
  Chelsea Moore

  Ahhh this was another amazing second chance romance!! I adored this story so very much!! This book was about Charlie, Will’s brother. Charlie was on a very destructive path. He lost his best friend, Max, because of his self destruction. When Charlie gets mugged, beaten and left for dead it is exactly the wake up call he needs. He decides to turn his life around and go to rehab. The man Charlie becomes is the man Max wants to give a second chance to. Max has felt like apiece of himself was missing since he cut Charlie out of his life. But now its time for him and Charlie to have their second chance at a real future together. This was a truly beautiful read. Being best friends, Charlie and Max are able to form this intense deep connection with one another. They understand each other on another level. Max was so supportive of Charlie and of course they have their ups and downs but they are able to get through them together and lean on one another for support. I loved this story and would 100% read again!
  
  
  I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
  
  POV: 1st Person Dual POV
  
  Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Second Chances series
  
  Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
  
  Would I read it again: Most definitely!
• 
  Heather MMRomanceReviewed

  Can you be unbiased and love a book when you've got a character modeled after you? I found out for the first time that the answer is yes... and yes, Jax took the time to learn about why I'm passionate about LGBTQ2IA+ topics and included that too...
  
  Full review:
  
  https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/202...
• 
  Courtney Turner

  This book is a best friends to lovers m/m romance. Max and Charlie have been best friends since college. But Charlie is spiraling out of control and Max can’t bare to watch anymore. A mugging might be what saves Charlie’s life though. Rehab is the next step. His and Max’s journey sure isn’t easy. There are plenty of bumps along the but I think that’s what makes this story better. After everything they go through separately and together makes their happy ending that much sweeter. Loved this book and I hope we get more from this series in the future.
• 
  Juniper

  This is a friends-to-lovers romance for Max and Charlie. While their story here can stand alone, Charlie is an antagonist (or something very close to one) in the first book in the series, and Max is the loyal and long-suffering best friend. Here, Max is still the loyal and long-suffering best friend, albeit one who’s thrown down an ultimatum that Charlie either goes to rehab for his drinking or loses their friendship. Charlie’s redemption arc is compelling and I liked watching him realize his feelings for Max. I liked Max too, although he sometimes seemed like two or three completely different people, depending on the needs of a particular scene. I appreciated that their relationship was built on accepting each other and that Charlie has so much patience and care for Max’s “hangups” (his word,not mine). It’s easy to want the best for these guys. Stylistically, this book wasn’t always the best fit for me. It took me some time to adjust to the author’s writing style, which is direct, matter of fact, and all about telling rather than showing: you don’t, as a reader, get to intuit much or decipher any feelings or emotions from context clues: the characters tell you exactly what they’re thinking, why they’re thinking it, and all the relevant background information that makes them react that way. It’s an efficient way to communicate plot information, but it did make character development feel, at least to me, uneven at best. Overall, however, I was invested in the story and happy to see the two of them get their HEA.
  
  *I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
• 
  LC

  must read Charlie’s book!!
  
  This is Jax Stuart’s second book in the Second Chances series and boy she blew it out of the water!! I thought the first book is this series was great. Second book GREAT as well. I knew going into the book that Charlie and I might have some issues. I felt for him so much. His pain came through so clearly in Ms. Stuart’s writing. He never intentionally hurt Max, he only ever really hurt Will and himself. He took the brunt of his pain out on himself and oh how that broke my heart.
  
  Max and his tough love was exactly what Charlie needed. When they restarted their friendship and began to spend more time together, my heart began to beat a little faster with the hope that all would be better for them soon. Did they have their bumps? Yes, of course, life happens and we escape to romance books because at least in books there is usually a happy ever after.
  
  I’m not sure what comes next if there is another book in this series or what. I do know that Jax Stuart will stay on my radar. Her writing is real and raw and yet still gives me the emotional lift that I turn to books to get.
• 
  Malia Winger

  I loved So Worth More! Andy and Will were amazing and I knew that if we ever got Charlie's (Will's younger brother) story it would be epic! And I was right! Charlie has spun out of control. So much that even his best friend, Max has to put his foot down. Left on his own, Charlie ends up mugged and almost dead in an alley. His family steps in and sends him to rehab. What I have enjoyed the most about this series is the author is not afraid to take the time to show the characters going through the process and doing the work to earn their place in their families. And the men that love them are not afraid to hold them accountable, even when it hurts. The only problem is that the supporting characters are so interesting that I want to know all about their stories too!
• 
  Richelle Zirkle

  I was excited to read Max and Charlie’s story, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a friends to lovers story, but it has a bit of a second chance vibe too. It could be angst-filled, but these two find peace in their friendship. Charlie is going through a whole transformation and getting to discover who he is without being forced to give anything up and fit a certain mold. Max and he are given the chance to rediscover who they are together in a way. Charlie gets that chance with so many people in his life really, and the new friendship he forges with Henry? Don’t get me started! It’s the friendships and relationships that keep me coming back again and again.
• 
  Reed

  This starts on an emotional rollercoaster and keeps it up till the end. These two have been best friends forever until the behavior of Charley causes the friendship to break. They both have so many childhood issues that have carried into their adult lives that it’s a wonder they have been able to deal so long. After Charley puts himself in a life and death situation, he has to start facing his issues. That’s when the journey for both him and Max become questionable. Neither have a great deal of self esteem no matter how outwardly they appear. Both have insecurities that make overcoming daily life hard. I enjoyed the path these two take and loved this story all the way through. I’m anxious to see where the author takes this series next.
• 
  Terri

  I liked this sequel to So Worth More. This one featured Will's brother Charlie and Charlie's best friend Max. It was great to watch these two work through their serious personal issues as they also explored their more-than-friendly feelings. I liked both men, and it was easy to hope for them to find happiness together.
  As in book one, there was some "telling" when I would have preferred "showing", but there was less of that this time around. Both stories were engrossing, but the writing was stronger here.
  With a likable couple, a good supporting cast, and an interesting story, I enjoyed this romance. I"m glad Charlie and Max had each other as devoted friends and lovers. I loved their happy ending, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
• 
  Ida Umphers

  Charlie has had several things in his life that needed to change, but it takes a life-threatening attack to make him face what needs to be done and enter rehab. Max is willing to give Charlie his second chance and their renewed friendship develops into much more. Nothing about the struggles in this book is glossed over, nor are the solutions made to seem easy, quick or once fixed, always fixed. Charlie's struggles are also mirrored in those around him, who want to help but often don't know the best way to do that. It takes patience, communication and a willingness on all sides to do the hard work necessary for these two to get where they need to be.