This book was a lot of fun! Folks who love reality shows will love the behind the scenes look at one couple trying to fake it through, until they're definitely not faking it at all. The story has lots of glitz and glamour, but is ultimately about two people seeking healing and learning to be vulnerable.

Andie designs wedding gowns and she needs money to prepare for Fashion Week. She is encouraged to try out for a reality show in which couples are matched, married, and have 8 weeks to decide if they wish to remain married. There is compensation for those who do not stay married and that will help with her finances. Kit is an architect, and his mother is facing cancer treatments. She would like him to settle down and agrees to accept his help if he enters the reality show. Andie and Kit are paired and do not see each other until she walks down the aisle. Both are shocked because they were in a relationship a decade ago when Kit left, breaking her heart. I really like this book. Both Andie and Kit are stubborn and had struggles growing up which affects how they approach relationships. The filming of them once married and the activities included in their honeymoon offered a lot of humor. I thought Andie’s attention to detail on her wedding dresses added a lot to the story.

March has been the month of second romances for me, reading wise! And this was my probably the best of them all.

Dress designer Andie Dresser did not expect her ex Kit to be at the altar when she signed up for a reality television show that matches up strangers to get married. The following weeks are a mash of extreme misunderstandings, communication gaps, sexual tension, chemistry and intense love.

I absolutely loved the characters and the witty banter between them. Andie was strong, independent, true to her art and super relatable. Kit was an exact REPLICA of a modern day man who is too good to survive a good relationship - the urge to always help everybody they love, the urge to protect them to a level that might become a little stifling, the urge to provide for his family at the cost of spending time with them.

Towards the end, Kit overcomes a lot of these issues while Andie works on her set of problems - lack of communication, incapable of forgiving, etc.

Marriage of convenience, second chance romance and the one bed trope with a healthy amount of spice - all work together to make this the perfect feel good romance. I totally recommend this to everyone

A fun romp that will be the talk of the town! Not You Again was a quick read and very fun. Fans of reality tv dating shows will have found their next book. Not You Again scratched the same itch as One to Watch and I loved the story. Well done

Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as I read the blurb I was fascinated, reality tv, marriage of convenience and second chance romance? Sign me right up.

I started reading yesterday and devoured it, in one sitting.
Andie and Kit are raw, heartfelt and beautiful characters dealing with real world problems.

How beautiful is it to read a romance that deals with problems, you understand and can relate to? I was in for the ride, feeling all the feels right along with Andie and Kit.
This was a wonderfully written and thought out story. I will be adding any future books written by Ingrid to my preorder immediately.

One of my favorite tropes in romance is when the story is set in a dating reality show. Add in a second chance romance when they haven’t seen each other since their breakup a decade ago? An absolute delight! The pining between Kit and Andes was top notch, I adored every part of seeing them learn to love each other again! And A+ for a surprise mutual masturbation scene! I wasn’t sure if there would be any stream in this book and I was pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend reading Not You Again if you love second chance romances or shows like Married At First Sight! 4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own!

I gobbled this book up. I couldn’t put it down. I typically hate the miscommunication trope but I actually loved it in this one and I was surprised. I think the characters were fantastic and I think the storyline was fun and interesting. I don’t find many books that just hold my attention the whole time but this one did.

Tropes:
-miscommunication
-past relationship
-arranged marriage
-friends to lovers to enemies to lovers (lol)
-hilarious banter
-second chances

Pick this book up yall, you won’t regret it.

5 stars!

I am so so happy I was given the opportunity through NetGalley to read this book. My heart swooned for it the second I started reading. A second chance romance, twist on Married at First Sight or love is blind. Loving those shows, I had high hopes coming into the book and Ingrid did not disappoint!

It does not shy away from any of the hard moments of marriage/relationships. The growing you have to do with one another a long the way. This books plays as a movie in my mind as I read it. The banter is amazing, dual pov is on point and don’t get me started on the “cut me out of my dress” scene. I was on the edge of my seat reading this, not knowing truly what would come next - and never wanting to put the book down. I was screaming at both Andre and Kit from the inside wondering what they were doing half the time. Just love him/her!!!

Highly recommend

(3.5 stars!)

A La Married At First Sight, Not You Again is a second-chance romance debut in which one couple must decide if they can overcome their past for a chance at happily ever after,

This one was cute! I enjoyed the characters Kit and Andie and the premise immediately drew me in.
I usually struggle with second chance romance, because been there, done that, but Andie and Kit's first breakup showcased their youth and enough time has passed for growth. I also enjoyed the side characters and how their relationship wasn't without hardship and it wasn't linear. Despite a far fetched premise, this book and these characters feel relatable.

However, I did struggle with a few things:
- I found the spicier scenes to be underdeveloped. The first moment of heat came out of left field a bit and felt like kind of a cluster and a bit cringey.
-I'm from Atlanta, where this book supposedly takes place, and it's clear the author is not. It's a small thing, but this feels like an outsider's perspective of Atlanta who used google to input a few key phrases. Take out those key city names, this book could have taken place anywhere.
-I struggled HARD with the miscommunication. It starts from the very beginning and doesn't end, well...until the end. Both breakups would have been solved with a short conversation and every argument could have been solved similarly. It just felt like the characters were level headed in all other aspects of their lives except when it came to communicate with each other. The miscommunication continued to make a mess of things from start to finish and it made me love the character less and feel like this was an even harder book to really believe.

Overall, people will love this one for the reality show vibes, quirky main characters, and the unique perspective.
Read For:
-Second Chance Romance
-Complicated Familial Relationships
-Artists MCs
-Reality TV Romance

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my free advanced readers' copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks NetGalley UK and publisher for lending me an ecopy in exchange for a review.

tropes : second chance, lgbtqia+, he fell harder

So, it was an enjoyable reading !

Let me tell about Kit and Andie, they are the perfect match. We learn through the reading how they separated, and what were the reasons they didn't stay together. It was heartbreaking !

The thing that I loved the most about this book was the authenticity of the characters. They were young adults when they broke up, and not mature, but now, it shows how grown as adults they have become.
what kept me reading was Kit and Andie's interactions, they were so cute and heartwarming.

I love a good romance in a reality tv show environment, I love the dramas. There were not a lot but, I was really surprised that the author succeeded at being interested in the others characters (crew, other contestants).

if you need to read something relatable and romantic, go read this one ! you'll be not disappointed :)

i absolutely loved this one!! the cutest little romcom i was so obsessed with the main female character and related to her so much. would recommend to all the romance readers 🩷

This is a great second chance, grumpy/sunshine, reality TV romance. I really liked both characters, their personalities, their journeys, and the writing. There was a small, random undercurrent of possessiveness that felt amiss, and I wanted a little bit more about the other couples on the show, but those are small details. I was definitely rooting for the couple and felt their chemistry and pain. Queer rep: One of the 3 couples on the show is gay.

Short summary: Andie is on TV for one reason only-the divorce money. But when she arrives at the altar to meet her future husband, she never expects it to be the man who broke her heart and disappeared 10 years ago…

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this one! Second chance isn’t usually my go-to but the characters were so obviously meant to be together. I think second chance lovers will devour this one, especially as there is a lot of angst! The writing was solid, very easy to read. An enjoyable 4 stars.

This book was the romance I’ve been looking for!! Second chance, sorta kinda enemies to lovers, fake dating, one bed, and REALITY DATING?!?!

Andie Dresser’s passion is right in the name, she designs and creates wedding dresses. While she’s always helping brides prepare for their most important days, Andie has no desire to ever get married after one relationship left her crushed. Her friend convinces her to sign up for a reality blind marriage show called "First Look at Forever", not for the happily ever after, but the $100k check that comes after a divorce. However, her plans begin to derail when she walks up to the altar and finds Kit Watson there– the man she’s been pining over after all these years.

I read this book up like it was candy. As a reality dating show fanatic, this scratched an itch that I didn’t even know I had. "First Look at Forever" is like "Love is Blind" and "Married at First Sight" and "the Ultimatum" combined. Contestants meet their partner at the altar for the first time, be married for 8 weeks and live together in a rented apartment. Then at the end they have to decide if they will divorce or stay married. This is definitely a show I’d be watching as a guilty pleasure.

The chemistry between Kit and Andie was pretty good, and I always feel like second chance romances really add that extra zing to the mix. A big thing I look for when reading romance novels is character development. Each character has a messy past, but the character development– though slow– really is there. I enjoy self aware characters who are trying to figure out how to overcome their past trauma to become better versions of themselves, and I believe both Andie and Kit accomplished this.

The scene of Kit’s run… I was BLUSHING SO HARD. It really accentuated all the chemistry built up between the two. Plus, the first kiss was a chef’s kiss from me.

Throughout the novel, you get to see a little bit of the talking heads that the characters film for the show. I absolutely LOVE this little detail that’s been added in here. You’re reminded that they are filming this show, and it’s messy and so much fun.

I mentioned earlier the character development– normally, the slow progression in this novel would take me out of it. However, I kept reminding myself of their past, and it really did make sense. Sometimes there is an old hurt that takes a long time to work through, and I think they did it at the pace that worked best for them.

Ingrid Pierce has written a gem of a novel. I’m going to be raving about this for months. If you’re a fan of reality dating and contemporary romance books, I highly highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such an unexpected gem, it brought together everyone’s favourite parts of rom coms and reality tv while simultaneously going beyond the surface level of a love story. The main characters are complex, messy and completely loveable in ways that make you want to yell at them and also root for them. This is book that was crafted beautifully and toes the line between heartwarming and heartbreaking in a way which every reader loves.

ADORED This book! I thought this book was so sweet. The characters were well thought out, not messy but full of heart and complication! I loved the concept, and it read like watching my favorite reality tv show!! cant wait to promote this one!

Was a really good read. I enjoyed how quick paced it was and how it kept my attention. The mmc is definitely book boyfriend material

Why did a book about a married-at-first-sight reality tv show make me sob like an actual bébé?

Physically, I am here. Mentally, I have been reduced to a single glistening puddle of tears.

The absolutely gut-wrenching ways that both Andie and Kit tried to be what the other one needed without realizing they already were had me screaming crying throwing up. I am a different person now than I was before I read this book 😭

“I love you; I’ll stay.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Andie Desser is a determined and desperate wedding-dress designer on the cusp of something big. With an invitation to Atlanta Fashion Week but stretched to her absolute limit in both funds and time, the $100,000 cash payout if her reality show relationship fails sounds like the perfect solution.

Kit Watson has money to spare, but no time for anything else. His job as an architect sends him to every corner of the globe, and also allows him the finances to take care of his aging and ailing mother from afar. But what his mom really wants is for him to settle down - and a show that pushes him directly into the settled-down stage is just wild enough for him to give in.

When the two meet for the first time at the end of the aisle, it’s meant to be a perfectly orchestrated fairy-tale dream, the two hand-selected by matchmakers to be the ultimate couple.

There’s just one problem: they’ve met before.

A decade-old hurt now festering in their shiny new marriage, Kit and Andie have to reckon not only with the cameras and the meddling, but also with their painful past. With 8 weeks to decide whether they’re meant to be or meant to go their separate ways again, the two are forced to face not only what their past relationship did to themselves, but also to each other. And they quickly begin to find that while they went in with opposite intentions, they might be just what the other needs.

This story is a heartfelt second chance! “Not You Again” by Ingrid Pierce is a captivating tale of love, redemption, and unexpected twists. Set against the backdrop of reality TV, this second-chance romance takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving them breathless and yearning for more.

Meet Andie Dresser. She’s a talented wedding gown designer who is hanging on by a thread. Her unique fairytale gowns have gained her a following on TikTok, but the upfront costs of designing a full bridal line have stretched her to her limits. When her best friend suggests signing up for a reality show with a potential $100 thousand prize, Andie sees it as her lifeline. The catch? She must marry a stranger, sight unseen, and opt for divorce at the end of filming. No big deal, right?

Meet Kit Watson. He’s an architect who returns to Atlanta to help his stubborn mother through a health crisis. But there's a condition: he must settle down. His mother insists he sign up for a matchmaking reality show filming in the area. Willing to do anything for her, Kit 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. As the newlyweds reconnect and sift through their past, old feelings resurface, and old grudges cast a shadow over their "marriage." The chemistry between them crackles, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to rekindle.

Pierce masterfully portrays the complexities of second chances. Andie's vulnerability and determination make her a relatable and endearing character. Her passion for her craft and her dreams of success resonate with anyone who has faced adversity. Kit, on the other hand, is both charming and flawed. His commitment to his mother tugs at the heartstrings, and his emotional journey is beautifully portrayed.

The pacing of the story is impeccable. Each chapter leaves readers hungry for more, and the tension builds as secrets unravel. The reality show setting adds an intriguing layer, with producers manipulating situations to prove Kit and Andie are the perfect match. The chemistry between the characters sizzles, and their banter is both witty and heartwarming.

Pierce's writing style is engaging and evocative. She captures the nuances of human emotions—the longing, the regret, and the hope—with finesse. The dialogue flows naturally, and the vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of Atlanta and the intimate moments shared by Kit and Andie.

While the premise may seem unconventional, Pierce infuses it with authenticity. The challenges faced by the couple make for a compelling read. The supporting characters, including Andie's best friend and Kit's mother, add depth and dimension to the story.

As decision day looms, Andie must grapple with forgiveness. Is forgiving Kit for his mistakes worth sacrificing her dreams of success? The tension escalates, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the outcome.

"Not You Again" is a delightful blend of romance, humour, and heartache. Pierce has crafted a tale that will resonate with fans of second-chance love stories. Whether you're a reality TV enthusiast or simply a hopeless romantic, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a longing for your own second chance.

Prepare to be swept away by the magic of Andie and Kit's journey. It’s one that proves love can bloom even when the odds are stacked against it. Pierce's storytelling prowess shines, making this novel an absolute must-read. Five stars for a captivating tale that lingers long after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a book that I would LOVE to watch a adaptation! I read so fast, even when my reading in English is kinda... slower in the last year. The dialogues were soft, kind and I really loved the characters.

Really hope this book goes viral and a good adaptation happens!