Andrea (Andie) Dresser is a successful wedding gown designer in Atlanta. But when a big client cancels their wedding, she now finds herself needing more money and more business. At a recent wedding, her friend, Heidi, a wedding planner, told her about an upcoming show to be filmed right there in Atlanta where matchmakers arrange marriages for six brides. Prospective brides and grooms are interviewed and selected. It isn’t until the actual wedding, that the couple will meet. If the wedding lasts, great, but if after eight weeks it ends in divorce, the participants each get $100,000. Needing the money, Andie agrees to the interview and finds she has been selected to be one of the brides.

Christopher (Kit) Watson, an architect in New York, has returned to Atlanta to stay with his mother for a while as she is undergoing surgery. She tells him about the matchmaking show and he agrees to try out. He is accepted.

On the wedding day, Andie and Kit are paired for marriage. When they see one another at the ceremony, they are shocked because in the past, they had had a relationship that ended badly. But needing the money, Andie barrels through. Now, she feels that she will just have to endure eight weeks with Kit and then she can divorce him and take the money.

Oh, boy. The plot was intriguing and I thought it would be an amusing story. I was wrong. There is so much indecision between these two characters which made both of them appear to be so immature. I was truly appalled at some of the crazy things that happened in the book and kept waiting for the big wake-up where they would finally act like grownups. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Sorry. Not for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Spicier than expected but still a cute story. Was it predictable? Of course but all the best romance stories are. The spice level definitely surprised me but it wasn’t a lot.

I don't think this one was for me. The MMC was very difficult to enjoy as I found him quite self absorbed and controlling. While I was sympathetic to how the author wanted to address trauma and how that results in people pleasing and putting yourself last, I found his attitude about winning back the girl he left in a second chance romance not believable. I didn't want to root for them because he seemed to still be mired in the same condescending behaviors. He also calls the FMC "sweet potato" which (while explained) just made me cringe every time I heard it. This was overall a cute second chance reality show romance, but there was little I haven't seen before and it's been done better by others.

SOOOO GOOOOOD
This was written really well. The pacing, the character development, the plot line, and chemistry were all spot on. You can tell that this author was passionate about this story.
Kit & Andie are amazing together, even when they are at odds with one another you can feel the heat radiating off of the pages. The second chance romance trope was done so well. I often hate the miscommunication trope but the way it was done here, was not annoying. The MCs were genuinely misunderstood at the time of their original breakup & that carries over to our third act breakup due solely because of fear. No one wants to be heartbroken a second time by the same person.
The reality TV show plot line was so fun. I liked that it was often times a cause of contention for the MCs and I loved watching them navigate how to fake it in the beginning.
Kit was so kind and he loved her fiercely. All of his small acts should have been Andie's cue, but yanno - love is blind.
Andie was a strong FMC. I loved reading about all of her dresses - I could picture each one. The way the author described texture, stitching, movement, etc., was so well thought out.

Not You Again by Ingrid Pierce is an excellent second-chance romance story with the drama of reality television.
The story was truly wonderful and the writing was simply superb. It had a steady flow with no drags or info dump.
From the very beginning of the story I was sucked into the amazing plot and found myself not being able to put this down. I devoured it within a day! A stunning read from Ingrid Pierce that for anyone who wants a sweet romance, absolutely needs to pick this up.

Thank You NetGalley and Alcove Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Aaah, this book is so charming and angsty and sweet! I was hooked from the premise — a married at first sight setup with the brilliant twist that it’s actually a second chance!! That’s such a fresh and fun hook, and this book delivers on it. It gave me the exact level of angst I always want from a second chance romance but balanced it wonderfully with humor. I loved Kit’s genuine care for Andie, and I found her so relatable as she’s had to depend only on herself for so long and struggles to let her walls down. I’m so excited about whatever we get next from Ingrid Pierce!

I think this is a very sweet book about second chances. What if fate was going to throw you and an ex back together? What if that ex was also the one that got away? That broke your heart and left you to sew back the pieces. Life would never do that right? Yet sometimes people come in and out of lives at the time they are meant to. The growth that both Andie and Kit go through during their eight weeks together is just lovely to watch. Trust once broken can be hard to regain. I loved watching their relationship unfold.
Thank you so much to Alcove Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Title: Not You Again
Author: Ingrid Pierce
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Wedding gown designer Andie Dresser is hanging on by a thread. Gaining a following on TikTok for her one-of-a-kind fairytale gowns has earned her a spot at Atlanta’s Fashion Week, but the time and upfront costs to design a full bridal line have stretched her to her limit. When her best friend suggests she sign up for a reality show with a potential $100,000 prize, she realizes the money could allow her to hire some desperately needed help. All she needs to do is marry a stranger—sight unseen—and opt for divorce at the end of filming. No big deal, right?

Architect Kit Watson just returned to Atlanta to help his loving but stubborn mother through a health crisis. However, she’ll only accept his help if he agrees to settle down, insisting he sign up for the matchmaking reality show that’s filming in the area. Willing to do anything for his mom, he finds himself at the altar—on camera—staring at Andie, the woman he abruptly left without explanation seven years ago.

In the blink of an eye, Kit and Andie tie the knot on TV for the world to see. Now, they must live together for eight weeks with cameras following their every move. But as the newlyweds reconnect and sift through their past, old feelings females spark…and old grudges cast a shadow over their “marriage”. With decision day looming, Andie must decide if forgiving Kit for his mistakes—past and present—is worth more than her dreams of success.

I enjoyed this second-chance romance! The reality show parts were annoying—I’m not a fan of reality TV—and I can’t imagine how much stress that would be! I liked Andie a lot, and I enjoyed how her relationship with Kit grew and changed as they dealt with the past and the challenges of the present. This is a sold read, perfect for a weekend binge.

Ingrid Pierce lives in Arizona. Not You Again is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.)

I love a good reality tv show romance story! This one was a whole lot of fun, made even better with the second chance aspect. It also dives into a couple of harder topics, like health issues and parental loss, so do make sure to read it on a day you aren’t feeling low (it’s not fully a happy-go-lucky romcom during the times it hits on those topics, but it is the rest of the time).

Kit and Andie dated for a few months in college - she told him she loved him and he ghosted…. Now, they have each signed up for a reality tv series where you meet a stranger at the alter … when you are about to marry them. Only - this pair isn’t strangers! The tv series has made a perfect match between the estranged couple who left each other heartbroken a decade before. Now they finally get to have closure. They just have to get through the show’s contracted two months before they can file for a divorce and go their separate ways again, with the prize money that will fix Andie’s business problems, but won’t solve Kit’s settling down before his mom passes from cancer…

Really sweet and I enjoyed it a lot (read it in a single sitting because I had to get to the conclusion). I adored all of the side characters so much, too! I definitely recommend it to others who love any romantic comedy (with a little heartbreak and a little drama and some family health crisis), but especially those who love the ones about a reality tv romance. It’s a great debut!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Alcove Press, and this is my honest feedback.

This was a moving story about second chances. Kit and Andie are reconnected on a reality tv show. They are both shocked and it takes them quit a bit to let down their defenses and consider if there is a chance for them. There is some miscommunication and both main characters must do some soul searching to really know what they want from the relationship.
I thought the characters were well written and I especially enjoyed the way their conclusion came about. I loved the scenes about Andie’s work as a designer.

This book was cute! Sometimes, I feel iffy about reality tv show books, but I enjoyed this one. Especially because it was basically Married at First Sight (a reality show I used to be obsessed with!)

This second-chance romance delivered on angst and tension, while also having fun. The reality tv portion of this book was fun and more believable. It was nice that we were able to focus on our two main characters without having loads of side characters constantly trying to steal the attention (which is how I often feel with other reality TV plots).

I liked our two main characters, Andie and Kit. I think I wanted just a smidge more background on them, but I was okay with what I got. They had blazing hot chemistry and kept fighting this rekindling of their relationship. Their personalities were also complete opposites which kept things interesting and moving along. I will admit, the third act breakup could have been stronger since things started feeling wishy-washy, but I won't nitpick.

Overall, I enjoyed this one! It was good in the way you don't have to put in a lot of effort or concentration to enjoy.

I recently finished "Not You Again" by Ingrid Pierce, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight! The story follows Andie Dresser, a talented wedding gown designer making waves on TikTok with her fairytale gowns. She's earned a spot at Atlanta's Fashion Week, but the financial strain of creating a full bridal line is overwhelming. Enter a reality show with a $100,000 prize and the catch. She has to marry a stranger and stay married until the end of filming.

On the other side, we have Kit Watson, an architect who's returned to Atlanta to help his mother during a health crisis. His mom, the stubborn and loving woman she is, will only accept his help if he agrees to settle down by joining a matchmaking reality show. Kit finds himself at the altar, and who's waiting for him? Andie, the woman he left without a word a decade ago.

The reality show shenanigans are heartwarming and side-splitting, with producers striving to prove that Andie and Kit are a match made in heaven. The array of activities, from zip-lining to axe-throwing therapy sessions, inject a fun and adventurous twist into the romance. Witnessing Andie and Kit navigate their feelings under the relentless spotlight of reality TV was genuinely engrossing.

What I loved most was how Pierce handled the chemistry between Andie and Kit. Despite their complicated past, their connection feels genuine and electric. As the story progresses, you can't help but root for them to overcome their differences and embrace their feelings for each other. This strong chemistry will keep you invested in their journey.

Andie's internal conflict, torn between her aspirations for success and her rekindled love for Kit, adds a profound layer to the plot. With Fashion Week and decision day looming, the stakes are high, making her choices even more poignant. We can all relate to this struggle, fostering a deeper connection with the story.

Ingrid Pierce's 'Not You Again' is a delightful, heartfelt read that expertly balances humour, romance, and the pressures of reality TV. This is it if you're in the mood for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for the characters. Pierce has woven a captivating story that will keep you engaged from start to finish, providing a perfect blend of entertainment.

Not You Again by Ingrid Pierce is mostly heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking,sometimes surprisingly spicy and overall a perfectly balanced mix of everything! I loved both Kit and Andie because of the complexity and depth. They both have some amazing traits. Like Kit is so responsible and caring and protective. Andie is stubborn and independent and resilient. But they have their issues and baggage. Kit suffers from too much guilt and goes almost to the level of martyrdom while Andie just wants to shield her heart because it has been broken before. A reality show isn't the best place for second chance but it actually forced them to face their issues together!

Andie needs money for her show in Atlanta Fashion week after one of her biggest client cancelled the wedding dress. She makes wedding dress but her dream is to go bigger. Her best friend gives her an idea to participate in a reality TV show where she will be matched blindly with someone to get married and they will be given 8 weeks to decide if they want to get married or get divorced. There is good money in the end. But things get complicated when she sees Kit standing at the alter. The boy who broke her heart and disappeared a long time ago. Kit is here to fulfill his dying mother's wish but as soon as he sees Andie...he knows he has to make it right. He had his reasons and he will make her listen . But are they ready for HEA?

The reality TV show set up was fun! It added to the drama and tension. It also forced them to spend the time together. The dates. The Costa Rica honeymoon. Living in the same apartment provided by the show. Meeting parents. Those wouldn't have happened otherwise. Andie still holds a lot of hurt and anger and so she definitely trued to keep it as a game only. It was an enemies to lovers situation. But a part of her heart didn't forget the love too. It got difficult to push Kit away when he was being so charming and sincere and loving. His little gestures like ordering lunch for her or massaging her hands everyday..went a long way to make Andie fall in love again. But he also has this savior complex and he feels like sacrificing himself is the best way to show love. Like he did for his mother...by staying in the architect job that payed well to help her mother but took him away too much for work. For Andie, he was ready to divorce bit he didn't think all Andie needed was his love. It's true that she wasn't very forthcoming about her feelings initially because all those years ago he just left after his father's sudden death. It was a bit of miscommunication and heartache from.bith side but like any great romance...there comes a grand gesture! The ending was so heartwarming!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

I really, really enjoyed this second chance, dual POV, reality tv show that has one former college couple matched up to get married at first sight, forcing them to choose love or money in this standout debut!

I loved the two main characters, their chemistry and the steamy scenes in this slow burn were HOT! I also thought there was great emotional depth and character development as they learn to open up about what happened in the past in order to take a chance at love in the future.

Great on audio narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster and John William Maddux. Fans of Bachelor style reality romances with a unique twist won't want to miss this one and I am excited to read what the author writes next! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

TW: parental death (in the past), parent with cancer

I listened to this in less than 24 hours! I was that hooked. I am flabbergasted this is a debut book. This author shows wonderful talent here and I cannot wait to recommend this to everyone.

This is a second chance love story inspired by the tv show Married at Fist Sight. This story was written so darn well. It delivers on angst, mutual pining, romance, drama and spice. This book had me going through it. Andie & Kit were perfectly flawed characters but that just made me relate to them more. I could understand their decisions but also get frustrated with them at the same time.

The angst here tug at my heart strings multiple times. Especially towards the end?! I had to finish this is one sitting because my heart couldn’t take the emotional turmoil 😂

This wasn’t just angst though. It had its cute and funny moments. I really liked how obsessed Andie was with Kit’s thighs and Kit’s nickname for Andie. I also enjoyed the other couples and side characters.

If you desire an angsty second chance romance with a unique twist, I recommend Not You Again. Listen to the audio because the narrators did a fantastic job!

Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Rating: 3/5

I really enjoyed this story. I am not a fan of reality dating shows, but this made me enjoy the idea of them more. Imagine love is blind meets 90 day fiance but the person is unexpectedly set up with their lost love! A great read and a lot of fun.

Spicy dual point of view second chance fake dating mf romance. This was a quick cozy read with a fun premise. I enjoyed their back stories and loved the male lead.

“We’re in this together. You jump, I jump.” Kit was always right there with Andie, every step of the way. I loved it.

5 stars for making me cry. Books do not make me cry and I had silent tears as I read this one.

2nd chance romance on a dating show.

Synopsis: Andie and Kit dated for 4 months 10 years ago and all but fell in love. Kit’s father died and he ran away from his feelings foe Andie. When he decided he wanted to come back, Andie wouldn’t let him. Fast forward, they both sign up for a dating show (essentially Married at First Sight) and they’re matched. Andie needs the divorce money for her career & Kit is trying to make it work as his dying mother’s last wish. Will it work out in the end?

I felt like this story was real. Also, it’s a miscommunication trope done right. Both parties were communicating with each other, but not fully saying what they were trying to say. I love wholesome reality dating shows & this one is it. We do get mentions of the other couples on the show, but we never get their POV. There is so much more to this story than the reality dating show.

There is love, there is heart break, there are some big emotions and I was here for it all. 🥹

Read this one if you like:
🎬 Reality TV
🥰 Second chance romance
👯‍♀️ friendships (there’s a lot of people caring for each other)
😅 Witty banter and swoon-worthy moments

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of this one in exchange for an honest review. I will be buying it for friends!

Not You Again started off strong. As a fan of reality tv, I liked that this book was a play on the quick marriage shows. I liked how Pierce set-up the storyline with Andie and Kit. I thought Pierce did a great job with the second chance romance trope. Kit and Andie were a cute couple. I enjoyed their banter, especially during the honeymoon. The "sweet potato" bit was adorable! I did struggle with Andie and Kit's past relationship. It was a little hard to believe that their quick relationship in college had that big of an impact on their lives. I think it would have been more believable if Andie and Kit's past relationship was at least a year long. Although the other contestants were fun to read about, they didn't add a whole ton to the story as side characters. I wanted to see more of a resolution with the other couples, specifically Jamie and Leslie. I wasn't the biggest fan of the third-act drama. Honestly, the last 25% of the book felt unnecessary. I'm not sure what happened, but the last quarter of the story read differently to me. Overall, this was an okay book. Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

I was leaning towards rating this as 4 stars until I actually sat down to write my review, and then I realized that - though I enjoyed much of the story - I had quite a few pretty big issues with the relationship at the heart of it. Let's talk about the good for a minute, because there's a solid amount of it. I liked the premise of two people getting matched on a Married at First Sight-style dating show, only to discover that their supposed "ideal" partner is the person who broke their heart years ago. They had a messy breakup back in college and left things very unresolved between them, so they have different levels of enthusiasm about their present day match. I always love "he falls first" vibes and a man who knows he needs to win over his girl, so that part worked for me. I also thought the reality show aspect added a fresh, unique feel to the typical second chance romance setup, and it was easy to feel the connection that still sparked between our couple. I'll get into the things that didn't work for me in a minute, but this was the kind of debut that makes me excited to check out more from the author in the future, as her writing continues to grow.

The story follows Andie, a wedding dress designer who is resistant to letting love into her life. After having her heart broken in college and after spending years watching her mom drift from one man to another, the last thing Andie is looking for is a relationship. But she does need money to grow her business, so when a friend tells Andie about a loophole in a reality show's contract, it sparks an idea. Andie will get married to a stranger, and when they part ways she'll receive a check large enough to grow her business. Unfortunately, that plan goes awry as soon as Andie meets her groom - Kit, her college sweetheart. They only dated for a few months, but Andie let herself fall for him... only to be shattered to pieces when he unexpectedly disappeared from her life. Ten years later, Kit is ecstatic to discover that his new bride is Andie. He sees it as a second chance to get things right, even if she wants nothing to do with him.

I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but I love a reality TV romance book, so I was excited to see how this one played out. The writing was pretty good, not amazing but certainly enough to pull me in. Where this one stumbled is with the endless, exhausting miscommunication. The reason for their breakup kinda drove me crazy, but even worse was that they continued to struggle with communication in the present day. Though Kit is excited for another chance to get things right with Andie, their relationship felt lust-focused to me. In the past AND the present. They both refuse to open up and repair old wounds, even though Kit says he's willing to. There were SO MANY missed opportunities for them to work on the emotional side of their relationship, but things still felt unresolved by the time we got the HEA. I think I probably could've bumped this up to a 4-star rating had the third act not been quite so messy, but it just made me feel even less confident that these two could make it in the long run. Ultimately, there's a ton of potential here, and I think a few tweaks could've really done wonders for the story.