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Once in a Lifetime
A Story from the Warmest Wishes: Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar
All his life, astrophysicist Peter has dreamed of seeing the comet that last appeared on his birthday—and won’t be seen for another thirty-eight years. Since it could be his only chance, he travels to New Zealand. But his dream might be quashed after all when his rental car breaks down on the way to the observatory. He doesn’t even have a place to stay.
Fortunately a New Zealand native with a heart of gold offers assistance. But is kindness the only thing drawing the two men together?
Rangi can’t leave Peter stranded so close to Christmas, and his family has plenty of room—and love—to share. While Rangi is attracted to Peter, he’s seen too many of his friends get their hearts broken by tourists. Will they manage to see the comet on its decades-long journey across the sky… and take advantage of a rare opportunity that might never come again?
All his life, astrophysicist Peter has dreamed of seeing the comet that last appeared on his birthday—and won’t be seen for another thirty-eight years. Since it could be his only chance, he travels to New Zealand. But his dream might be quashed after all when his rental car breaks down on the way to the observatory. He doesn’t even have a place to stay.
Fortunately a New Zealand native with a heart of gold offers assistance. But is kindness the only thing drawing the two men together?
Rangi can’t leave Peter stranded so close to Christmas, and his family has plenty of room—and love—to share. While Rangi is attracted to Peter, he’s seen too many of his friends get their hearts broken by tourists. Will they manage to see the comet on its decades-long journey across the sky… and take advantage of a rare opportunity that might never come again?
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Decker
11 booksCASSIE DECKER has been a writer most of her life, but only started writing love stories once she read her first romance novel in high school and fell in love with falling in love. After graduating college and entering the corporate workforce, she realized sharing those stories with her friends and coworkers wasn’t as scary as she thought it would be. She found rather quickly how much they enjoyed her steamy yet sweet tales of love and passion when they kept asking for more.
When she’s not writing, Cassie enjoys getting her geek on by making cosplay costumes, going to comic-cons, and drawing fan art of her favorite characters. Besides being a total nerd, she likes to knit, read, binge-watch the shows on her streaming list, and practice her ukulele if she can find the time. Cassie also loves playing in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and her corgi pup, Murphy, when she’s not busy obsessing over the fictional men plotting their love stories in her head.
When she’s not writing, Cassie enjoys getting her geek on by making cosplay costumes, going to comic-cons, and drawing fan art of her favorite characters. Besides being a total nerd, she likes to knit, read, binge-watch the shows on her streaming list, and practice her ukulele if she can find the time. Cassie also loves playing in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and her corgi pup, Murphy, when she’s not busy obsessing over the fictional men plotting their love stories in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2020
3 Hearts
A holiday trip is actually a long journey for Peter to fulfill a promise he made to his dad and himself. He’s traveled across the globe to New Zealand to witness a comet he’s prepared his whole life for. It seems however, that fate has several obstacles in store for Peter, but luckily they also have thrown in Rangi, a friendly Maori local, to help him out and to possibly lend perspective to Peter’s life.
Way too short, this could’ve been great had there been more to it, as this story barely scratches the surface. The sweet and hopeful HFN left me wanting which I suppose is a testament to the setup and the disappointment of not having more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
A holiday trip is actually a long journey for Peter to fulfill a promise he made to his dad and himself. He’s traveled across the globe to New Zealand to witness a comet he’s prepared his whole life for. It seems however, that fate has several obstacles in store for Peter, but luckily they also have thrown in Rangi, a friendly Maori local, to help him out and to possibly lend perspective to Peter’s life.
Way too short, this could’ve been great had there been more to it, as this story barely scratches the surface. The sweet and hopeful HFN left me wanting which I suppose is a testament to the setup and the disappointment of not having more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
December 12, 2018
3 Stars
Peter, an American astrophysicist, travels to New Zealand to witness a comet that only passes by the Earth once every 38 years. While there he meets a local by the name of Rangi and the two hit it off in unexpected and profound ways, changing the course of their lives in just over 24 hours.
This was a very sweet and hopeful short story, and although the romance had little time to develop, the promise of a romantic relationship between Peter and Rangi was made apparent in their natural and immediate chemistry.
I particularly enjoyed learning a little bit about Maori culture and traditions, and I appreciated the brief but warm welcome Rangi’s family gave Peter upon meeting; he was practically enveloped in their love immediately, which made it easier to believe a relationship between him and Rangi would have a chance to blossom, given the opportunity.
Ultimately this was too short to have much of an impact, but it was a nice little holiday read nonetheless.
Peter, an American astrophysicist, travels to New Zealand to witness a comet that only passes by the Earth once every 38 years. While there he meets a local by the name of Rangi and the two hit it off in unexpected and profound ways, changing the course of their lives in just over 24 hours.
This was a very sweet and hopeful short story, and although the romance had little time to develop, the promise of a romantic relationship between Peter and Rangi was made apparent in their natural and immediate chemistry.
I particularly enjoyed learning a little bit about Maori culture and traditions, and I appreciated the brief but warm welcome Rangi’s family gave Peter upon meeting; he was practically enveloped in their love immediately, which made it easier to believe a relationship between him and Rangi would have a chance to blossom, given the opportunity.
Ultimately this was too short to have much of an impact, but it was a nice little holiday read nonetheless.
December 26, 2018
Peter was born on Christmas Eve 38 years ago as periodic comet 38P/Stephan-Oterma raced across the skies of the southern hemisphere. He and his father always planned to see the comet in New Zealand on its next appearance, but after his father's death Peter makes the bittersweet trip alone. And when his rental car breaks down, he is rescued by Uber driver Rangi who takes him home to meet his family and celebrate a Christmas enhanced with Maori traditions.
Rangi and Peter share an attraction that feels a bit too sudden, given the short time frame of this story and I wished for a few more page to flesh this out, but this story has heart and a sweetness that I really enjoyed. 4 stars for "Once in a Lifetime."
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Rangi and Peter share an attraction that feels a bit too sudden, given the short time frame of this story and I wished for a few more page to flesh this out, but this story has heart and a sweetness that I really enjoyed. 4 stars for "Once in a Lifetime."
" -- everything I've gone through, everything I've experienced, every single moment has been leading me up to this. It's been leading me here to you.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
December 15, 2018
2.5 Stars
Once in a Lifetime had the makings of a story I world enjoy, but it didn't resonate with me at all.
Peter is 38, an astrophysicist, and a professor...so far so good, because I love me some smart men, but I got the feeling he didn't really exist before page 1. We're told a little about his dad and another relative, but instead of showing us how Peter feels about his childhood, we're told, so it didn't have enough substance there. Also, this is the first time in his 38 years that he's been out of his home state? Of Maryland. Really? I dunno, I have a hard time with that, considering his career path and how close Baltimore is to Virginia and Washington DC. I mean, he never once went on a school trip to the Smithsonian?
I liked Rangi and his family. They were kind and hospitable, even as they were practically making wedding plans 10 minutes after meeting Peter. Once again, it didn't ring true to me.
Once in a Lifetime was a sweet story, but very superficial. Your mileage might vary, but this story was not for me.
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ARC of Once in a Lifetime was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Once in a Lifetime had the makings of a story I world enjoy, but it didn't resonate with me at all.
Peter is 38, an astrophysicist, and a professor...so far so good, because I love me some smart men, but I got the feeling he didn't really exist before page 1. We're told a little about his dad and another relative, but instead of showing us how Peter feels about his childhood, we're told, so it didn't have enough substance there. Also, this is the first time in his 38 years that he's been out of his home state? Of Maryland. Really? I dunno, I have a hard time with that, considering his career path and how close Baltimore is to Virginia and Washington DC. I mean, he never once went on a school trip to the Smithsonian?
I liked Rangi and his family. They were kind and hospitable, even as they were practically making wedding plans 10 minutes after meeting Peter. Once again, it didn't ring true to me.
Once in a Lifetime was a sweet story, but very superficial. Your mileage might vary, but this story was not for me.
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ARC of Once in a Lifetime was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Once in a Lifetime is one of those short stories that’s hard for me to review because while it manages to tell the story it sets out to and is well-written, at 37 pages it’s so short, it really depends on what the reader is looking for as to whether or not it will be enjoyable. On the one hand, I can see people finding it a bit boring as it’s a quiet, fates-colliding, family-centric short where the blurb tells all of the story except for the character beats. On the other, the tone of the story is very warm and inviting, and although Peter and Ragni don’t actually spend much time alone or getting to know each other, if you enjoy the concept of fated love Once in a Lifetime is a sweet, quick read.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Once in a Lifetime is one of those short stories that’s hard for me to review because while it manages to tell the story it sets out to and is well-written, at 37 pages it’s so short, it really depends on what the reader is looking for as to whether or not it will be enjoyable. On the one hand, I can see people finding it a bit boring as it’s a quiet, fates-colliding, family-centric short where the blurb tells all of the story except for the character beats. On the other, the tone of the story is very warm and inviting, and although Peter and Ragni don’t actually spend much time alone or getting to know each other, if you enjoy the concept of fated love Once in a Lifetime is a sweet, quick read.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
December 24, 2018
3.5 Stars
Once in a Lifetime is short, sweet and hopeful. The romance didn’t really have enough page time to develop, but what I did get I enjoyed. The reason Peter travels to New Zealand is sentimental and said a lot about who he is as a person. I could see why Rangi was enamored of him so quickly. After the two spend some time together with Rangi’s family it was easy to see why Peter felt the same way towards Rangi. Being a fly on the wall with Rangi and his family’s holiday preparations was some lovely insight into Maori culture and tradition. It was a treat for me and something Peter needed as well. The declarations happened rather abruptly, yet still sweetly and there wasn’t quite enough there for me to picture an HEA, but there was definitely material there for an HFN.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Once in a Lifetime is short, sweet and hopeful. The romance didn’t really have enough page time to develop, but what I did get I enjoyed. The reason Peter travels to New Zealand is sentimental and said a lot about who he is as a person. I could see why Rangi was enamored of him so quickly. After the two spend some time together with Rangi’s family it was easy to see why Peter felt the same way towards Rangi. Being a fly on the wall with Rangi and his family’s holiday preparations was some lovely insight into Maori culture and tradition. It was a treat for me and something Peter needed as well. The declarations happened rather abruptly, yet still sweetly and there wasn’t quite enough there for me to picture an HEA, but there was definitely material there for an HFN.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
December 24, 2018
A really liked this romance about two very kind men in New Zealand. I tend to love books set there and at Christmas time in Maori culture is extra special.
Just as settle into this book it ends. I want much more here even in a short story.
Just as settle into this book it ends. I want much more here even in a short story.
December 18, 2018
Once in a Lifetime by Cassie Decker is such a sweet story – full of kindness and generosity.
Rangi has always put his family first, it’s the Maori way (an Eastern Polynesian people), and Rangi wouldn’t feel right if he wasn’t helping out. So working multiple jobs is no hardship as he enjoys meeting new people, including the tourists he often picks up in his rideshare job.
Peter is finally living out he and his father’s lifetime dream: visiting New Zealand to see the comet that last arrived the day he was born. He’s waited his whole life for this moment but when everything seems to be going wrong on his journey, he finds himself needing to rely on the kindness of strangers.
There is an epic sense of fortuitous destiny when Rangi and Peter meet and I got caught up in the vulnerability of the characters. Both men cautious but open, genuine and kind. I especially love the sweet situation of Peter climbing into the wrong bed and how gracious Rangi is when it’s discovered!
I so wanted this beautiful tale full of serendipity and honesty to continue. Once in a Lifetime by Cassie Decker is the sweetest Christmas story I’ve read this season and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Rangi has always put his family first, it’s the Maori way (an Eastern Polynesian people), and Rangi wouldn’t feel right if he wasn’t helping out. So working multiple jobs is no hardship as he enjoys meeting new people, including the tourists he often picks up in his rideshare job.
Peter is finally living out he and his father’s lifetime dream: visiting New Zealand to see the comet that last arrived the day he was born. He’s waited his whole life for this moment but when everything seems to be going wrong on his journey, he finds himself needing to rely on the kindness of strangers.
There is an epic sense of fortuitous destiny when Rangi and Peter meet and I got caught up in the vulnerability of the characters. Both men cautious but open, genuine and kind. I especially love the sweet situation of Peter climbing into the wrong bed and how gracious Rangi is when it’s discovered!
I so wanted this beautiful tale full of serendipity and honesty to continue. Once in a Lifetime by Cassie Decker is the sweetest Christmas story I’ve read this season and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
December 22, 2018
It was special to see Peter trying to fulfill the promise he made to his late father. While he's frustrated by thing that happen to him he still embraces the journey and remains open to the experience. Rangi is kind hearted and has a wonderful family. He feels the pull to Peter as well. So was this chance or fate? Either way I hope lots of good things are in the future of these two men.
December 14, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review
3.5
"Once in a Lifetime" is a Christmas miracle story about how the events in your life, even the heartbreaking ones, are necessary to lead you to the place where you belong. Being born on the day the comet 38P was last seen, Peter is determined to make the trip to New Zealand to see the comet when it comes back again in honor of his father’s memory. Although the universe seems intent on keeping him from his goal or enjoying his holiday, being rescued by Ragni and swept into the warm embrace of his rescuer’s family fills the void of familial love that has been missing from Peter’s life since his father died when he was 12 years old.
"Once in a Lifetime" is one of those short stories that’s hard for me to review because while it manages to tell the story it sets out to and is well-written, at 37 pages it’s so short, it really depends on what the reader is looking for as to whether or not it will be enjoyable. On the one hand, I can see people finding it a bit boring as it’s a quiet, fates-colliding, family-centric short where the blurb tells all of the story except for the character beats. On the other, the tone of the story is very warm and inviting, and although Peter and Ragni don’t actually spend much time alone or getting to know each other, if you enjoy the concept of fated love "Once in a Lifetime" is a sweet, quick read.
3.5
"Once in a Lifetime" is a Christmas miracle story about how the events in your life, even the heartbreaking ones, are necessary to lead you to the place where you belong. Being born on the day the comet 38P was last seen, Peter is determined to make the trip to New Zealand to see the comet when it comes back again in honor of his father’s memory. Although the universe seems intent on keeping him from his goal or enjoying his holiday, being rescued by Ragni and swept into the warm embrace of his rescuer’s family fills the void of familial love that has been missing from Peter’s life since his father died when he was 12 years old.
"Once in a Lifetime" is one of those short stories that’s hard for me to review because while it manages to tell the story it sets out to and is well-written, at 37 pages it’s so short, it really depends on what the reader is looking for as to whether or not it will be enjoyable. On the one hand, I can see people finding it a bit boring as it’s a quiet, fates-colliding, family-centric short where the blurb tells all of the story except for the character beats. On the other, the tone of the story is very warm and inviting, and although Peter and Ragni don’t actually spend much time alone or getting to know each other, if you enjoy the concept of fated love "Once in a Lifetime" is a sweet, quick read.
December 19, 2018
As I began reading this short story inclusion in this year’s Advent Calendar by Dreamspinner Press, I was struck by the notion that I should have had my colleague read this one as I believe she might have gotten even more out of it than I did. I could appreciate the concept of making a promise to a loved one and then traveling halfway around the world to watch the passing of a comet that only can be seen from Earth every thirty-eight years. My friend, however, would have truly felt the significance of this in a way I probably didn’t.
I couldn’t imagine being in Peter’s shoes having just competed an exhausting thirty plus hour flight, a broken-down rental car, and now notice from the hotel that they’ve suffered a water main break and his reservation has been cancelled. Ugh. Luckily for him Rangi is the driver Peter’s ride-sharing app directed him to and once Rangi hears of Peter’s housing troubles, he invites Peter to come and stay the night at his family’s home and deal with getting a new hotel in the morning. Peter isn’t exactly sure why he says yes as he tends to be very logical and scientific about his decisions, but he might as well try and live a little while on vacation.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
I couldn’t imagine being in Peter’s shoes having just competed an exhausting thirty plus hour flight, a broken-down rental car, and now notice from the hotel that they’ve suffered a water main break and his reservation has been cancelled. Ugh. Luckily for him Rangi is the driver Peter’s ride-sharing app directed him to and once Rangi hears of Peter’s housing troubles, he invites Peter to come and stay the night at his family’s home and deal with getting a new hotel in the morning. Peter isn’t exactly sure why he says yes as he tends to be very logical and scientific about his decisions, but he might as well try and live a little while on vacation.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
December 15, 2018
2.75 stars rounded up
I loved Rangi and his family members!! They seem awesome. Peter, on the other hand, was a bit too bland of a character for me, which is a shame because I don't read many MM romance stories with an astrophysicist. The whole story is nice if I want to focus on Peter trying to see the comet out of his father's memory. That is sweet gesture.
I loved Rangi and his family members!! They seem awesome. Peter, on the other hand, was a bit too bland of a character for me, which is a shame because I don't read many MM romance stories with an astrophysicist. The whole story is nice if I want to focus on Peter trying to see the comet out of his father's memory. That is sweet gesture.
December 22, 2018
**2.5 Stars
April 6, 2019
A perfect romantic story. The moon, the stars and a comet who magnificence helps bring romance.
December 31, 2019
A cute little story about Peter, a professor of astrophysics, who fulfills his late father and his dream of seeing a comet that is back after 38 years, the date which falls on his birthday. Due to two extremely frustrating problems that occur to Peter in New Zealand on his trip to view the comet, it brings him in contact with Rangi, a Maori New Zealander, who takes Peter home with him to give him a place to stay.
I'm a sucker for smart, scientific men, so Peter was a good character for me. I loved Rangi's gentle spirit and his Maori culture. I loved the descriptions of the setting, making me want to visit New Zealand one day. I would have loved an epilogue, letting us know how these two guys fared in the future. As is, it ended a little too abruptly for me.
I'm a sucker for smart, scientific men, so Peter was a good character for me. I loved Rangi's gentle spirit and his Maori culture. I loved the descriptions of the setting, making me want to visit New Zealand one day. I would have loved an epilogue, letting us know how these two guys fared in the future. As is, it ended a little too abruptly for me.
December 28, 2018
This warm, comforting story fits in with the publisher's theme and I really enjoyed it. Rangi and his family were lovely, and I could see Peter absorbing all the good will and family feelings in the short time we see him here. The story works well to show the beginnings of a relationship, but I would love to see it develop more.
December 14, 2019
Good short christmas story, enough info to be complete but I would have loved an epilogue 35yrs later!!
Peter is the tourist out of place rescued by Rangi.
Loved the NX family, the maori traditions, christmas on the beach and the comet
Enjoyed
Peter is the tourist out of place rescued by Rangi.
Loved the NX family, the maori traditions, christmas on the beach and the comet
Enjoyed
December 4, 2018
3.75 stars
December 18, 2018
Review to be posted.
Read
December 19, 2018review to follow
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