I had high hopes for this one, and I’m not really sure why? But I wanted to love it so much and I just kind of liked it. Second chance is my favorite trope but this just didn’t feel as realistic for me but mainly I just couldn’t connect to the story the way I wanted to.

Zero spice. All romance and living authentically you even when it’s hard. This one hits hard with topics of competeting for promotion and posible divorce. It’s a slower paced story but if you’re chasing feelings this one is amazing.

# Rules for Second Chances
# 8/31/2024 ~ 9/1/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0

I really wanted to like this book by Maggie North but the crux of the relationship struggle is that one partner is too captivating and charming for the other one to want to stay in the marriage. I appreciated the nuanced plot and the characters but would any employer encourage you to join improv in order to improve your management techniques? Regardless, I loved the improv storyline and her path to finding new friends and family but there were plot points overall I couldn't agree with!

I’ve been reading a lot of second chance romances this year, it feels like they’re having their moment. and I think that there was great chemistry here, I just wish that it felt more developed from both sides and that both were as invested as the other in it

Out now go grab your copy!
I wasnt sure if this was going to be my kind of read but I ended up enjoying it.
The cover is super cute too.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Liz feels like she is not the main character of her own life. While her husband Tobin exudes main character energy, she finds herself often in the background. To the point where she is mistaken for a server at her own birthday party. As she tries to focus on herself, she joins an improv class. Tobin is the only person willing to practice with her, and as they become closer again, Liz is hesitant, remembering all the reasons their marriage was falling apart. But Tobin is determined to save their relationship.
There’s something about a marriage in trouble story that feels extra raw and really has me rooting for a happy ending. That was definitely the case in this book. Maggie North’s writing was filled with emotion and made this book feel so real. The improv definitely helped to lighten the mood in this one. I would have loved to have Tobin’s POV to see what was going on in his head throughout the story.
Gail Shalan did a great job bringing this story to life. She really captured all of Liz’s emotions throughout the story.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Not my jam. I had a hard time getting into the story because I didn't want to root for the main couple. I thought it wasn't a good relationship and I didn't want that to be the story.

This was a beautiful journey of a couple rediscovering their love for each other, as well as fighting for their own self-worth. I loved watching Liz and Tobin's grow throughout this book, learning to better communicate and fall in love with one another all over again.

I took my time with this one since I have personal issues with the "married couple, second chance" trope, but I'm so glad I did. It wasn't a rushed story and I especially loved the secondary characters, except Tobin's dad, he can fry in a vat of acid.

I definitely recommend the audiobook for the ultimate reading experience, but be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel all the things when you do.

Rules for Second Chances. I don't even know where to start. I genuinely loved this book. It's filled with all the swoon moments and hope you could ask for in a romance novel.

Thanks St Martins Press, Maggie North and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Rules for Second Chances! Sweet romance novel, enjoyed it!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

I feel like marriage in crisis is such an underrated trope! I really enjoy it. I feel like this book could have benefited from dual POV.

What you can expect
- marriage in crisis
- finding yourself
- improv classes
- good side characters

I really liked how real this book was, how it didn't seem far fetched but could be scenarios that many face in life and marriage. I found myself rooting for Liz and Tobin from the beginning but was also proud of Liz for standing up for herself in all areas of her life.

Rules for Second Chances was a book I was really excited about since I love marriage-in-crisis stories (who knew I would ever say that?). Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t get into this one.

What didn’t work for me was that there was so much going on that the story became hard to follow. The reasoning behind wanting a divorce didn’t feel fully fleshed out or even rational (though, to be fair, who is rational during such moments in life?). I would have liked to see both POVs so I could understand Tobin's thought process. I spent much of the book feeling bad for him, given Liz’s treatment of him and what I could see on the page.

I appreciated that they addressed their problems in an unconventional way, but it would have been great if they had just, I don’t know, talked to each other.

What I think was really well done was the representation of autism and social anxiety. You could see Liz's growth throughout the story.

Lastly, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook—I had trouble with the narrator choice.

Rules for Second Chances is a captivating and heartfelt novel that delves into the complexities of second chances—both in life and love. I immediately connected to Liz's character, so despite her specific situation being unrelatable for me, I was drawn into the story. Set against a small town backdrop, Maggie North created wonderful characters that immersed you in the story and I was invested in their journey. The exploration around forgiveness, courage and life not going to plan was well done.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This book had me sobbing, smiling, sobbing, laughing, weeping, and smiling all over again. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, a love story, and, most importantly, self-discovery. This is a unique book that needs to be cherished. This is real and raw.

Tropes:
-Neurodivergent rep
-Second chance
-Forced proximity
-Personal Growth

Second chance romance is my favorite trope and I love books about married couples so I was exicted for this one but it was a miss. I didn't connect emotionally to any of the characters. Plus it's very slow paced. There were some nice moments sprinkled throghout but overall it fell flat.

I was so excited for this eARC because "Second Chances" is one of my top favorite trope, but unfortunately this book missed the mark for me. While RfSC does feature some great representation by way of its main characters, it felt less like of a romcom (which is what it's being marketed as, more or less) and more of a coming-of-age/lit-fic story— which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I do think North was able to successfully write about more everyday, relatable experiences in a way that is easy for us, as readers, to latch onto. However, going back to my original point: The romance "featured" here was underwhelming and, despite being able to resonate [for the most part] with the overarching themes of this book, it was rather difficult for me to do the same with or get behind any of the characters.... and, to be honest, I think that was due in part to North's writing style, which read confusingly and felt a little haphazard throughout multiple points in the book. With stronger writing and/or perhaps a tweak in style, I think this issue could easily be resolved. That said, while this book didn't really work for me, I'm still open to checking out North's future works!

This one just wasn't for me, which breaks my heart because second chance romance is my jam.. but this marriage in crisis book took on a much heavier and self deprecating tone than I bargained for, add in the improv plot- one of my least favorite plot devices, and I was pretty much checked out.

Aside from the issues mentioned above I struggled with the FMC, the pacing, and just connecting with the story in any meaningful way. There was a lot going on in this book, like 10 different sub plots, that made this feel chaotic and lacking in depth. I felt like when push came to shove we couldn't focus on or dig into the nitty gritty of any one thing because the FMC was trying to fix EVERYTHING all at once.

All in all I won't be recommending this one

I was drawn to Rules for Second Chances because of the setting, which is a fictionalized version of a mountain town close to my home, and I stayed for the main character's journey of self discovery and the second chance romance. I didn't love the improv sections much but that's likely due to personal preference and not the writing. I appreciate the e-copy of this book, thanks to NetGalley and SMP.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I guess I didn't love the main character and how she was thinking of herself for most of the story. It made the book more of a general fiction than a romance, one more about self discovery. By the last quarter of the book, I could understand her more, and her motivations. I'm glad it worked out for the characters.
It was definitely an unforgettable book. I'm glad I read it till the end. Was nice to see a second chance romance really delve into the differences of a couple whilst keeping the love for each other there.
3.5 stars