Rules for Second Chances had so many unique aspects to it. A marriage in trouble, using improv as couples therapy, and a neurodivergent FMC, I had high hopes for it.

It starts out kind of confusing and slow. I thought that Liz’s reason for separating from Tobin was feeble and didn’t really make sense. Add this to how the author made Tobin seem nearly perfect from the outside, it made even less sense.

But my rating went up a star when everything came together at the end. Tobin was trying to pretend everything was perfect instead of supporting Liz in the way that she wanted. And they stopped communicating productively, which they both finally admitted to and wanted to keep working on it.

So overall I did enjoy it! It had great funny moments, a beautiful setting, and it was so interesting to read in a POV that we don’t experience very often.

This story is such a breath of fresh air. I love a second chance romance, and this book has the added element of the world of Improv, which I've always been so intrigued by. It was the perfect plot device to help the characters develop and grow. I could totally relate to Liz being an introvert and trying to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the complimentary eARC of this debut novel, in exchange for my honest feedback.

Liz has always tried to be what people want and has found herself stymied her entire life, even when it comes to her gorgeous, gregarious wilderness explorer husband, Tobin. After someone mistakes her for a server at her own 30th birthday party, she decides to make a change - and she falls into an improv class in an attempt to gain confidence. But she’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to help her is Tobin, who is dead-set on saving their marriage. As the two get to know one another anew, sparks fly - but Liz will have to decide if she can truly be herself with him.

A perfectly serviceable second-chance romance with added texture through the autism representation and the main character's bisexuality. The plot felt bogged down by a lot of scenes of people doing improv (badly), and there wasn't nearly enough character development, especially when it came to Tobin to feel invested in the marriage surviving. It felt both too long and as though it was missing details about the characters' backstories and world-building to feel fully immersive. Another draft might have sharpened things a bit - but for the most part, this was run-of-the-mill.

Rules for Second Chance by Maggie North was the love story I didn't know I was waiting for, socially awkward Liz, married to outgoing, good looking Tobin, but their marriage is falling apart. Tobin is all in, but Liz just can't relate, until she signs up for an Improv class? I had my doubts, but Ms. North brings everything together in riotous fashion with a final twist that brings everything together in a way that makes total sense. Very enjoyable! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Liz Lewis has tried everything to be what people want. But she’s always been labeled different from everyone else in the boisterous world of wilderness expeditions—that is, if anyone notices her at all. Her marriage to popular adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis is a sinkhole of toxic positivity where she’s the only one saying no. In a mountain resort town built around excitement, introverted Liz gets…spreadsheets.

When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party and her last line of communication with Tobin finally snaps, Liz vows to stop playing a minor character in her own life. The (incredibly well-researched and scientific) plan? A crash course in confidence…via improv comedy class.

The catch? She’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to practice with her is a certain extroverted wilderness guide who seems dead set on saving their marriage one bonkers improv scenario at a time. But as Liz and Tobin get closer (...again), she’s forced to confront all the reasons they didn’t work the first time, along with her growing suspicion that there might be more to her social awkwardness than anyone realized.

As a socially awkward introvert, I related to a lot of this. I'm not a fan of improv / comedy (mostly because I don't get it!), but this book was quite entertaining for me on multiple levels. I loved being inside Liz's crazy brain - it kind of made me feel at home! This was a little heavier than I expected when I picked it up, but I rather enjoyed it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

I love second-chance novels for the most part, but as others have pointed out, this one gets a bit convoluted. However, I did enjoy both leads separately a great deal. I think this story would have been better if it had focused on the personal growth of the lead FMC and been about her character growth instead of focusing on a romance that felt secondary and should've been left in the background.

Overall, though, it's still well written, and I'd give this author another read easily.

Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC!

I love marriage in crisis books that make you heart squeeze in angst and this book broke it and brought it back together.

I truly do love second chance romance books and one thing I loved about the book is seeing where they went wrong, how as humans are flawed and not perfect and how even in a relationship, it takes work and communication and seeing them try to fix what was broken and fall back together again is one of my favorite things to read. This book was at times tough, you see their disconnect, where they lack and what they needed to work on individually and as a couple and seeing them fall back together was so sweet. This book is perfect when you're looking for a book to break your heart and put it back together again.

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North. A woman had left her husband. She is introverted. He is not. She doesn’t feel seen. She is temporarily living with her sister and her autistic niece. That opens up some interesting pathways in her life. She has her eye on a promotion at work but no one seems to feel she has a chance. She speaks with her boss about it and he makes some recommendations, one of which is to take an improve class; possibly it will teach her to be more open. She starts and she hates it. It is being taught by one of her husband’s friends, who it turns out has written a book about how to save y our marriage through improv. Her husband wants to try it. It turns out he loves her and wants their marriage. She’s not so sure, but agrees.

This was an odd book. I found it difficult to read, not because of triggers or anything, but because of North’s writing style. I can’t be more specific, sorry. It was a good story, with a good premise, and was worth the read. The people were easy to identify with, some more than others depending on the reader’s personality. It is an amazing first book effort.

I was invited to read Rules for Second Chances by St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MaggieNorth #RulesForSecondChances

I love when a book grabs me right from the start (and makes getting the rest of life done for the day!) This book was a very different theme than I usually pick up but I loved it! I was rooting for Tobin & Liz. Honestly quite refreshing to read a book where the MCs are real - they fight just like us ;)

"Rules for Second Chances" by Maggie North was full of turmoil, self-exploration, passion, conflict and relationships. An interesting journey evaluating marriage and the keeping your "self" in that bond. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. all opinions are my own.

Really cute! The main characters were enjoyable and the plot was engaging from start to The second chance aspect was well constructed and fit well

"Rules for Second Chances" is a light and enjoyable read that explores themes of love and redemption. The characters are relatable and bring a nice mix of humor and vulnerability to the story. However, the plot occasionally feels predictable, and some resolutions come too easily. While it offers a satisfying escape, it lacks the depth and tension that could elevate it further. Overall, it’s a pleasant read but may not leave a lasting impression.

A wonderful, touching, warm-hearted read meant for a cozy blanket and a cup of tea! I absolutely adore the characters and the plot, and I have a hard time keeping this on the shelf at the library because of how much people are loving it.

I really enjoyed reading “Rules for Second Chances” by Maggie North! This book is an amazing take on the second chance trope. Liz and Tobin have been married for years, but they have grown apart, and Liz feels completely overlooked. Determined to change her situation, she decides to prioritize herself and chase after a promotion she has always dreamed of.

When her boss suggests she take an improv class to boost her leadership skills, Liz discovers an incredible opportunity. Not only does she make new friends, but she also finds a way to reconnect with Tobin. The role-playing scenes between them are fantastic! I found myself laughing and crying as I watched them grow and navigate their challenges together. It was so inspiring to see Liz learn to accept herself and find her worth. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Maggie North in the future!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the #gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

'Rules for Second Chances' is a captivating, emotional story that emphasizes how important is to love yourself, especially in the face of a society that constantly makes you feel less than. The story opens with Liz, saddened as she is ignored and pushed aside at her own birthday gathering in favor of her extroverted husband, Tobin. Fed up, Liz decides to embark on a journey that will change the course of her marriage, career, and life.

And what better way to do that then through improv? With so many hilarious scenes, a fantastic cast of characters, and the 'Second Changes Handbook', Liz blossoms into the person she always kept hidden, free of the burdens of self-doubt and toxic societal expectations. The question is, can her marriage with, and love for, Tobin blossom in the same way?

'Rules for Second Chances' is a must read.

This is an absolutely fabulous book. The story tastefully and gracefully engages the heart with the struggles of a neurodivergent woman while not stereotyping her nor her characteristics. Her husband is the perfect character and her boss is a total jerk. I adored the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was not a fan of the main female character and how long the book was in the “poor me” stage. I hoped it would improve but I DNF’d. So sorry. I think it had some really funny banter and sly jokes.

I really wanted to enjoy Rules for Second Chances given my love for second chance romances, but this book fell completely flat. The premise had potential—a woman trying to rediscover herself through improv comedy while navigating a failing marriage—but the execution was a mess.

Liz’s journey of self-discovery felt forced and disjointed. The improv element, which could have added humor and lightness, was tedious and awkward instead of charming. Her relationship with Tobin lacked depth, and their interactions were so confusing that I often had to re-read passages just to make sense of what was happening. The single POV limited any real insight into Tobin’s character, making him seem distant and undeveloped.

The writing style was another big issue. It felt clunky and difficult to follow, which made it hard to stay engaged. I found myself skimming through sections just to reach the end. What should have been an empowering story about finding yourself was bogged down by a confusing plot and lackluster characters. Unfortunately, this one was a real disappointment.

Maggie North is a new to me author and I was looking forward to diving into this book over the summer. A story about love and chasing dreams, main character Liz Lewis is feeling vulnerable in her marriage with popular heartthrob Tobin, who seems to get along with anyone and anything. Meanwhile, socially awkward Liz has trouble maintaining relationships and feeling fulfilled in her relationships and work ambitions. Her husband is willing to do anything to save their marriage, including stepping up as Maggie's improve partner, in effort to help Maggie come out of her shell.
I was looking for a nice light read, but I found the writing a bit clunky and the story a bit far fetched. I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to read this book prior to publication.

Love a second chance romance! Love a marriage in crisis trope. Love an original plot with redeeming characters. This book delivered on all fronts! Thank you so much to NetGalley for the chance and cannot wait to read what comes next from this author!