This book started off pretty good it had great promise but then it kinda took a weird turn and it was a bit confusing for me

Much thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this ARC
All thoughts and opinions are my own

This story started off strong, began meandering its way through a plot, then got lost in the land of Totally Implausible. Yes, I’m a sucker for a good witness protection story, but this got to be ridiculous, like the author was trying to say, “ah ah ah, you only think you’re going to figure this out.” Then the author would throw something else into it, not necessarily making it better. I was ready for the end mainly because I was getting confused.

This book will pull at your heart strings and take you on a rollercoaster ride. Imagine you had a love or your life and you were certain they died…and now you think they just saved your life and they are very much alive. Shooting, intense love, a search for the one you thought you lost forever. Highly recommend this novel!

Second Stanza
by Meg Napier

Earc: NetGalley
Publisher: Napierpress
Publication Date 04 Oct 2022
Genre : General Fiction, Mystery and Thriller, Romance

Jackie is devastated when her dearest friend, Leo, dies in a house explosion.

years later, she witnessed a horrific crime and someone saved her. Looked and sounded like the young man she had loved so long ago. Is Leo really dead?

Jackie slowly but surely (and skillfully) begins to uncover the truth about Leo's death/disappearance.

Jackie and Leo (also known by many other names) spend most of the story physically apart, but their focus is always on figuring out how they can be together again.

There is a great moment when Jackie finds out Leo is alive and has never forgotten about Leo. loose the temper! This is such a great read. I'd highly recommend reading this book

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2.5 stars

This book's plot has a lot of potential, and it started off really good. However, it quickly became...weird? Kind of like the author lost momentum and wasn't entirely sure how to resolve the conflict she created.

Jackie and Leo were together for two years in college before he was supposedly killed in a gas explosion. Nearly a decade later, Jackie is living in another state when a stranger saves her life. Various threads lead her to believe her rescuer was her One True But Forever Lost Love.

Most of the plot is Leo/Jake/David/Kolya trying to find out the truth of his past so he can be with Jackie and Jackie trying to find out the truth of that day nearly a decade ago so she can be with Leo. When all these truths collide, the resolution to me was disappointing. I mean, I got my HEA, but I was annoyed by how we got there. I won't say much more to avoid ruining the story for others.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

Trigger warnings: Mass shooting, death of loved ones

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from NapierPress and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A lovely read proving you don’t know what’s around the corner.

What a great read! I didn’t think it was possible to lose someone you love twice and still end up with a happy ending.