Liz is just turning 30 in “Rules for Second Chances” and is frustrated with always walking in the shadow of her charismatic husband. She wants people to see her for who she is, and not as an attachment to her spouse. At work, at home, and within their extended families, she feels invisible. It’s time to make a change, and she does that by leaving him. Not permanently, but just until she can figure things out. During their separation, they talk, mainly to do the homework for an improvisation class Liz is taking to build her confidence. Over the course of the book, we see how both of these people are flawed in one way or another, and how they decide to work through their issues.
At times I was annoyed with Liz and I almost gave up on the book. However, something made me stick with it and I’m glad I did. I’ll be glad to read more by this debut writer. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

First and foremost, thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advanced copy in an exchange for an honest review.

Though I was initially drawn in by the premise of the book, from the beginning I struggled to connect with the MC and often found myself confused as to what was happening, had happened, or who was who. And with some of the content, this unfortunately became a DNF at 27%.

"Rules for Second Chances" by Maggie North is a novel that had the potential to be a compelling exploration of second chances in love, but it fell short for me due to a few key issues.

I couldn't fully grasp how Liz expected to repair her relationship with either Tobin or Amber when she constantly ran off after making emotional statements. The lack of character development for Tobin throughout most of the book left me wanting a more balanced portrayal of their relationship.

While the premise of the story had potential, the execution left something to be desired. I would have appreciated a few chapters from Tobin's perspective to gain a better understanding of his thoughts and feelings.

In conclusion, "Rules for Second Chances" had the makings of a compelling story about second chances in love, but the limited dialogue and single POV hindered my ability to fully connect with the characters and their journey.

Liz is at a crossroads, with both her marriage and her career. She’s ready to walk away from her marriage, rediscover herself, and push for more in her career. So what gives? Enter Tobin, who is not willing to give it up that easily. What follows is a unique and stunning narrative of how improv and a little self love can rearrange perspective.

Liz is a beautiful character. Her conflict rang through genuine and relatable. I am also pretty sure this story is why books exist: to read about experiences and perspectives you can’t understand or identify. Maggie North was able to seamlessly weave the topic—and spectrum—of neurodivergence into a multi-faceted plot, covering both personal and professional relationships. Tobin provided the perfect balance and demonstrated how you cannot just take a person at face value.

Overall, fantastic storyline. I really think this lends something new to the genre. I was very skeptical of the improv angle until it became clear improv isn’t just comedy; improv is a part of our social construct. I rated this read 4.5 stars out of 5.

Only critique: the structure of some of the dialogue and scenario description. I read on an e-reader so that might have some effect, but it was really difficult to track texts vs narrative vs dialogue. I also had a really hard time with context in some scenes. For example, one improv scenario plays out on a boat. I could not tell whether they were actually in a boat or on a marsh or if it was just part of the imagination of the scene.

Liz Lewis has an epiphany that she has edited herself so much, that she wasn’t being her true self not only in social situations, but also in her marriage. She goes on a journey of self-discovery by setting boundaries in her marriage, joining an improv group, and competing in a pitch competition in her company in hopes of being promoted.
On her journey to finding who she truly is, she falls in love with her husband again, gains friends, improves her relationship with her sister, changes companies altogether, and discovers that she is autistic.
Maggie North did a wonderful job in this second chance romance troupe. I didn’t always like her writing style but, the theme and the main plot were truly unique and held my interest through the entirety of the book. I think the author showed the true ups and downs that marriage brings, that it isn’t always sunshine and roses, and that it’s okay to ask for things/circumstances to change when you are no longer being fulfilled in the role that you play in a relationship.
Liz holds a special place in my heart because she never settled. When things weren’t making her happy, she changed her own circumstances to make things better in her life. She had such determination to find happiness, and to not be pushed aside in her role as a wife, sister, employee.
Thank you to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Maggie North for the opportunity to read and review this eARC it was truly an enjoyable book.

I requested this book because the second chance romance interests me. I had a hard time getting into this book and enjoying the story. There were almost too many details and off topic thoughts that just lost me.

I wanted to cheer for Liz and Tobins relationship, but I also thought maybe they were better off without each other. Liz just never seemed confident enough in herself. I think I would have liked to see Tobins POV as well throughout this story.

I really loved this one! It kept me excellent company during a sick day.

Rules for Second Chances is a love letter to improv comedy, the Canadian wilderness, and the tourism industry all in one, with a bi heroine figuring out she might be autistic and a marriage in trouble, The extended metaphor of improv worked really well, and the main couple felt so real. I haven't read anything quite like it and would happily read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book. Even though I read a lot of romance, this book was unlike any I have read before.

Rules for Second Chances focuses on Liz Lewis who is looking at herself in the mirror and not recognizing who she is seeing. Throughout the book, Liz focuses on better understanding herself and how that impacts her choices, her marriage, and her family relationships. North does a wonderful job describing the perspectives of Liz and her husband, Tobin, as they work through what has happened to their marriage and if it is possible to save it. The dialogue is fun, but also thoughtful and reflective, allowing the reader to sympathize with many characters in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC!

RULES FOR SECOND CHANCES tells the story of 30-year-old Liz, who is overshadowed in her work and personal life by her husband, Tobin. After being mistaken for a waiter at her own birthday party, Liz decides that enough is enough and tells Tobin that she needs time to figure out her life on her own — and thanks to a suggestion from her boss, improv classes are part of how she does this.

I adored this second chances romance, and related so much to so many of Liz's struggles. The story was at once heart-wrenching and hilarious, and I loved seeing Liz come to appreciate herself for who she is while also owning the mistakes she's made in her relationship. The secondary characters were all lively and fleshed out, and the setting of the story was gorgeous, too. I also loved how the novel approached both Liz and her niece Eleanor's neurodivergence, and felt like I saw myself in her eventual realizations about who she is and what she needs in life.

A fantastic debut, and I can't wait to see what's next from this author!

"Rules for Second Chances" by Maggie North is a heartwarming exploration of love, self-discovery, and the possibility of finding true happiness with the same person twice. Liz Lewis, tired of being overlooked in both her career and her marriage to the charismatic Tobin Renner-Lewis, decides to take charge of her life. After a mishap at her thirtieth birthday party, Liz embarks on a journey to rediscover herself and inject magic back into her existence.

The narrative takes a delightful turn as Liz delves into the world of improv comedy, a decision that not only brings humor to the forefront but also becomes a catalyst for her personal growth. The author weaves a compelling story that is both funny and heartwarming, capturing the essence of Liz's struggle to break free from societal expectations and find her own voice.

The characters, particularly Liz and Tobin, are beautifully crafted, making them relatable and endearing to readers. The dynamics between them, as they navigate the challenges of their relationship through improv scenarios and self-help book discussions, add depth to the narrative. Tobin's sweet yet flawed nature and Liz's relatable journey make for a captivating romantic storyline.

Maggie North's writing style is nothing short of spellbinding, creating a breathtakingly beautiful narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The exploration of Liz's social awkwardness and the quest for self-confidence adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it not just a romance but also a journey of self-discovery.

"Rules for Second Chances" is a treat for readers who enjoy a blend of humor, romance, and genuine character development. Maggie North's ability to convey the complexities of love and personal growth makes this book a compelling and satisfying read. The story leaves an indelible mark, reminding readers that sometimes, the magic of a second chance lies within oneself.

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Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North
Rules for Second Chances
by Maggie North (Goodreads Author)
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I really liked the writing and course of this book, and the creativeness of the various improv scenes the MC (and her friends/husband) did! This book is all about the MC trying to redefine herself (and also learning to accept that she IS good as she is when she doesn't forcibly suppress herself) + a marriage in crisis / second chance plotline, both of which are handled uniquely through improv scenarios. There's a particular mermaid scene which is.. the best, really.

I loved the resolutions at the end!

Also! Autism rep in this book! (The MC discovers she's neurodivergent, possibly autistic, and the MC's niece is autistic)

TWs - cheating (not the main ship), parent who abandoned kid, disappearance of a child (for a short while, they find her soon), irl issues and discrimination faced by neurodivergent people (the MC and her niece) at the hands of their family/friends/colleagues

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Liz struggles as she lives in her husband’s shadow in their marriage, social circles and at work. Despite asking for help, including attending marriage counseling, Tobin continues to live like everything is perfect. Lacking support from her husband, and older sister (who gives older sisters the worst name and shame on Amber!)
Turning to improv at the recommendation of her boss takes Liz out of her comfort zone and into the world of yes, and. The theme of failing joyfully is found throughout.

Oh meow god. The karaoke scene with their improv group had me laughing out loud… and if you love The Little Mermaid, has Maggie North got a surprise for you!

As a fellow neurodivergent girlie, I empathized with Liz as she navigates who she is when she stands alone versus in her marriage or with friendships. But, I also found it incredibly difficult to relate to Liz and cheer for her character at times.

This story would have benefited from Tobin’s POV. 85% of the way in does the reader finally get to understand Tobin and why he is a yes man.

This book isn’t as much of a story about a marriage in crisis, it’s secondary to the plot. With it being single POV, it fell a bit flat. The focus instead was on Liz’s personal growth and journey, understanding social cues, friendship, her relationship, and not being ashamed of her adulthood diagnosis of autism. There is some spice/romance, workplace rivalry, and the importance of mentors. But again, we don’t really get to understand Tobin until about 85% in.

This is a debut novel, and I look forward to reading future works by Maggie North and seeing her growth as an author.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to be totally honest with this review. I'm giving it 2 stars because I'm in awe of anybody who writes a book and puts their heartfelt words out there for the world to read. Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North not only did that, but it took on a tough subject matter, Autism. Kudos Maggie North!

That being said, I struggled my entire way through this book, considering a DNF at 25%, 50% and even 75% into the story. When I kept going and made it to the end, I felt like giving myself 5 stars. In my opinion, the last 25% of the book was 100% better than the first 75% of it. The last quarter of the story explained A LOT. The beginning was too confusing for me and honestly, a bit too unbelievable. I found it really hard to imagine someone at 30 having a major identity crisis and insecurity breakdown as Liz did. For me, that kind of stuff happened more in my 40s I suppose.
However, I also had no idea of the part Autism played in her life. If it was in there at the beginning, I totally missed it, perhaps among the job insecurities, family insecurities, personal insecurities, etc. that she was dealing with in her head on a daily basis. I kept wondering how she managed to even GET to age 30 without getting Professional Help from SOMEONE considering how much "insecure chatter" was going on in her head (mostly all bad). Then she walks away from the "bright spot" in her life, husband Tobin, and I really, really, couldn't fathom that.

So basically, I want to say congrats to the author for what she has done and attempted to do in writing this book. In places it was funny, sad, fascinating, beautiful and eye-opening. For me, the important messages throughout this book almost got completely lost at times in "Improv" items and "work issues" I could have done without or at least a bit less of. While this book wasn't my "cup-of-tea," it has very important messages to convey that we could all learn from. I would encourage all to give it a try.

This book. <swoons>.

Liz is sick of feeling invisible in her job and in her marriage to the beautiful, outgoing Tobin, and desperate to break out of this rut and find some magic, she leaves him and turns to improv. What follows is funny and heartwarming in all the best ways, as Tobin helps her with her scenes in exchange for working through their relationship with a self-help book (written by his friend), and they find their way back together. Liz is so relatable, Tobin is a sweet but flawed cinnamon roll, and watching them overcome the obstacles in their way as they fall even deeper in love is a treat.

Maggie North has a beautiful way with words that is absolutely spellbinding and this book is breathtakingly beautiful. You'll be laughing one minute, sniffling the next, and swooning often.

This was unique! Second chance romance and it was done well! Character development was wonderful and easy to follow. Great mix of romance and heartaches. Maggie did a wonderful job.

The premise of the story drew me in as soon as I read the synopsis, so I was excited to dive right in.

Unfortunately, this became a DNF to me at ~30%. So, to be fair, I'd planned not to share a rating for this story. However, sharing a rating is mandatory for providing feedback, hence the rating. I tried multiple times to keep reading this story, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So, instead of forcing myself to read something that I might not enjoy or judge fairly, I decided to put it down.

Now, that being said, if a marriage in trouble trope is up your alley, this might be a good story to try!

This is such a wonderful, poignant debut -- marriage-in-crisis wasn't a trope I knew I needed until I read this book. Anyone who has ever been in a long-term committed relationship will recognize the complexity of the emotions displayed by both Tobin and Liz; the ups-and-downs of growing together while trying not to grow apart is a very real obstacle that couples face but is so rarely discussed, and never as thoughtfully as North does. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are infinitely relatable and deeply endearing, and they story is both unique and familiar in the very best of ways. I absolutely cannot recommend this book enough -- a fantastic debut!

This was so unique and I enjoyed just about everything. I do wish we had Tobin’s point of view - single POV in a second chance romance just doesn’t work as well for me. Otherwise, this was a strong debut!

This was a fantastic debut by Maggie North and cements her as a writer to watch. I love a marriage-in-trouble romance, but they can be hard to get right. I thought North did a beautiful job with Tobin and Liz's story and weaving in autism representation. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thanks to St. Martin's and NetGalley for the ARC.

“𝐎𝐡, 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐃𝐢𝐳.”

Adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis and Liz Lewis appear  in this marriage in crisis romance Rules for Second Chances.

I was so glad to find out this book had autism representation and the marriage-in-crisis trope; I hadn't anticipated either of those things. And Maggie did a fantastic job writing it.

It just seemed unfair to me to only have Liz's pov and not Tobin's, given that this was a marriage in crisis and a second shot at love. Tobin was going through a lot with his family, so I was anticipating his pov to come through.

Also, I was confused for around 85% of the book. To begin with, I didn't really understand why they were having so many problems. Sometimes I understood, but most of the time it was confusing. Then there's the revelation that Tobin and Liz shared a job halfway through the novel, which, unless I missed it earlier, surprised me greatly. Finally, the entire issue involving Tobin's father and his young fiancé was just ignored.

Despite having some of my favorite tropes, I didn't really enjoy the writing or the way it was done because there were a lot of pointless scenes and extremely long paragraphs that would quickly bore me.

*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and to the author, Maggie North, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*