Name: One More Chance
ISBN: 9781635555363

Ali Vali

Harry Bastantes planned a future with Desi Thompson until the day Desi disappeared without a word, only to walk back into her life sixteen years later.

One More Chance

Lucia Correa

Fair warning: this story deals with domestic violence. 

I was happy to see that one of Ali Vali’s early fanfic stories that I enjoyed had been published. I first read it around 2009 or earlier when it was published online as “How do You Mend a Broken Heart”. This was one of the first Xena AU (alternative universe) stories that I ever read. While reading this version, I noticed a few edits here and there that helped take it out of fanfic realm and scene cuts that were not missed. 

There is Dr. Harriet (Harry) Basantes is a modern Xena(ish) character. Tall, dark, blue-eyed, gorgeous, generous, and compassionate lesbian woman who is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana. She is also a martial arts master and Desi's protector. The other main character is Desiree (Desi) Thompson who is a year or two younger than Harry and is the modern Gabrielle(ish) character. Short, blond, green-eyed, gorgeous, loving, and a kind woman. She and Harry had been childhood friends that developed into more than just friends in High School. Desi's home life was difficult, a single father and a younger sister, Rachel whom she loved and protected from their abusive father. When her father discovered the relationship, he told Desi she couldn't see her sister, Rachel again if she didn't stop seeing Harry. Harry went off to college, never knowing why Desi broke off all ties with her. Fast forward 16 years and they meet again - in the ER when Desi is brought in with a leg horribly smashed by her abusive husband. Harry, now an orthopedic surgeon, fixes Desi's leg and brings her and Rachel to her large home to recover and to escape and protect Desi from her revengeful husband.

Yeah, at times Harry is too good to be true and some of the situations are over the top, but still you love them both and cheer as their love rekindles. The book also has a strong supporting cast with Rachel, Harry’s best friend Serena and her son Albert, aka Butch and Mona, Harry’s longtime cook and housekeeper.

There was a sequel to the fanfic that was removed so hopefully Vali will publish it as well.

Memorable quotes:
Mona: “What in the hell was that girl thinking, naming that sweet child Albert? Might as well tape a note to his forehead the first day of school with “I’m Albert, please feel free to beat the crap out of me and steal my lunch money.”

And when Desi’s ex-father-in-law grabbed Desi, only to find himself in a painful wrist lock by Harry. Harry: “Try this again, and I’ll break every one of your fingers and name the bones as I do.”

 An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for an honest review.

KADY BURNS

I really wanted to dnf this one but finished it anyway. I felt the characters were cartoonish at times and a lot of the plot was too convenient.