I really enjoyed this story, the setting ,and the writing. I think at times the narration just felt a bit empty, and the male voices done by the narrator took me out of the story at times.

Lots to unpack in this book. Liz and Tobin are at a crossroads. They are so very different in many ways. Liz has always been shy, uncomfortable in most social situations and to most of those who know her, a bit different. Tobin is the one everyone gravitates towards. He is the center of whatever space he is in and liked by everyone he meets. She relies on him in so many ways until she realizes she has become invisible to most, treated poorly, underestimated, taken advantage of by many and has become a background player in her own life. She goes along until one day she realizes she has had enough. It’s a long and emotional road to her finding herself, making herself seen and heard and them finding their way back to each other with a lot of hard work, emotional conversations and honestly. I enjoyed this well narrated audiobook..

Super introverted and socially awkward Liz is tired of being overlooked by everyone in her life and she’s fed up with her husband both being a total pushover to everyone else in their lives and also not being a great communicator. It’s basically a co-dependent mess of terrible family members as Liz walks out of her birthday party held at her mother-in-law’s house (where someone has mistaken her for a server), next door to her own house, packs her stuff, and then goes three houses down to her childhood home where her single mother sister lives with a six-year old niece. Liz’s husband Tobin is the ultimate nice guy and life of the party and has his own issues of trying to be perfect so that people don’t leave him. Add on the fact that Liz is tired of being overlooked at work and somehow gets voluntold to take an improv class to help her social awkwardness. And then having no friends to practice her improv with, she ends up working with Tobin on various scenarios from a relationship self-help book that uses improv as a communication technique. This book is told from Liz’s point of view and you can definitely feel all the levels of anxiety she’s experiencing as she’s going through all of these uncomfortable situations. While this book was definitely emotional, I had a hard time relating to the lack of communication between Liz and Tobin, and both of their respective families are pretty much terrible and contributed to the downfall of their relationship. I was glad to see them work out their issues and communicate better, but they’d probably be better served moving away from their over-involved family members.

The initial start of this grabbed my attention immediately. But then, I am not sure where the disconnect began. I wouldn't say this is a rom-com in any capacity. It is more of a woman's fiction with romantic undertones. This really brings to light how we can outgrow things, especially relationships. Which is where the majority of this story goes and brushes on. Liz is confronted with a lot of personal issues that she is forced to face (her job, her marriage, her family). I related to her a lot in this aspect and I think if it was categorized as a more woman's fiction genre, it would grab a better audience. It wasn't a horrible book, but the romance part of it lacked a lot. It is more of the growth and development of ones life as they outgrow relationships.

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉

Release Date: June 25, 2024

4.5⭐️3🌶

This book hit me right in my neurodivergent heart! Everything about Liz I can relate to. From her inability to connect with people at work and at home, to her constant self doubt and feeling like everyone is less-socially awkward than her.

Liz is in a stalled marriage that she doesn't know how to restart or get out of. She needs more communication with her husband, but they're in a rut of not talking. Liz is also trying to move up at work but she's been dubbed the "spreadsheet girl". So, her boss advises her to take an improv class to work on being more outgoing.

One of her husband's friends (one of the many) is the improv instructor and gives her husband his published and popular marriage therapy book that includes improv scenes. They decide to give his book a try to save their marriage.

I recommend this for all Colleen Hoover and Christina Lauren fans!

A big thank you to @netgalley for approving me for this ARC!

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Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book. I made it about 43% and I am so confused and just have no desire to continue picking up this book. I find myself doing other things instead of listening to this book. I have not connected with the characters and I have no idea what is going on. I don't understand the need for the improv and everything else going on in the book. This book just isn't for me.


Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

THIS. BOOK.

The author did an amazing job displaying neurodivergence in this story. Being a neurodivergent who’s married to another neurodivergent, there were some moments this just hit and I found myself tearing up at it so much. I loved the story line and the self-realization Liz found, and that she was able to grow into her own person by the end. (Did I consider taking up improv? The world may never know 🤷🏼‍♀️). It wasn’t quite the person-to-person romance I expected, but more of a story of falling in love with yourself despite what makes you different, and embracing that. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Maggie North for an audiobook ARC of this!

this book is exactly what i needed exactly when i didn't know i was going to need it. I'm so in utter shock at how the universe can hand you a book so utterly perfect for your life. i'm going thru something shockingly similar as the premise of this book (only without the cool handbook to follow), and its just so refreshing for there to be a book that helps you see that there is romance in fighting for love instead of throwing it away. I loved this book so much.

DNF! I tried but between the slowness and the narrator’s annoying voice I just couldn’t get into it. On to better choices.

I thought this was a good story of growth and learning. I hate to rate it less than 4 stars but it's meant to be a romance and I didn't (personally) connect with the romance. We are told how much the main characters love each other but I didn't feel it.

I did adore Liz's journey of growth and finding herself. The improv was fun, although as someone with social anxiety I can't imagine it was easy for Liz to do (although that's part of her character growth).

The reasoning for going with 3 stars is the writing style. I feel like this is trying to be deep but it didn't resonate with me. Like, some of the conversations between the main characters (whether they were playing a 'scene' or just talking) felt really awkward as the reader. I don't even know how to explain it (shrugs).

Overall, it was a cute, clean, second chance romance that I think a lot of readers may love.

The narrator was great!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Maggie North for an audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrator, Gail Shalan, was phenomenal. I really enjoyed the autism representation of Liz as she was very relatable to my own social struggles and the anxiety when one struggles to express themselves or standing up for themselves.

I did struggle with the improv storyline as I felt it was unbelievable that an employer would require an employee to sign up for a class to be considered for a project pitch. While this part of the storyline did allow for the introduction of quirky and loveable characters, it made Liz and Tobin read a bit juvenile than their early 30s.

I also was not expecting an epilogue pregnancy, and quite frankly I’m not a fan of the pregnancy trope. It felt unnecessary to the overall storyline and a bit out of left field, especially since Liz and Tobin were still working through major issues in their marriage.

I love a second-chance romance and this was a solid read for me.

This is definitely a different type of love story. The tag line being can true love happen twice with the same person. Liz and Tobin are struggling in their marriage and work to try and see if it is worth saving. Their second chance fight was a little heavier than the cover indicated. Even Liz’s attempts at improv to prepare for a pitch at work aren’t light.

I loved the MCs’ occupation was wilderness guides for a company. And I loved the MC was shown in all her social awkwardness even though I do wish it wasn’t every moment in the book. This would have helped me to connect with Liz earlier in her story.

I loved the yes and philosophy practiced as part of the improv and how that ultimately helped Liz figure and get what she wanted.

There was heart in the writing style that included both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. And that ultimately there was redemption and hope in all of the couple’s trials and tribulations.

Gail Shalan did an excellent job voicing Liz and showing the ups and downs and anxiety that encompass her daily life. I wasn’t terribly fond of the male voice she used and that she used it for every male character. It made it a little harder to remember who Liz was speaking with. But I did appreciate that she made Tobin’s voice a little quieter than Liz’s. That seemed to fit with his personality.

While this wasn’t what I was expecting, I enjoyed this second chance romance between Liz and Tobin.

✨ARC Review✨

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North is a lovely romance, that proves that second chances may be closer than you think.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

After being being mistaken for a waiter at her own 30th birthday party, Liz Lewis realizes that there are quite a few things about her life, her relationship with her husband Tobin, and her job that are making her unhappy. She feels invisible and secondary in her own life. To try to take back some ownership, she sets out to improve herself and find herself, through improve comedy.

I have to say that I really appreciate that the female main character’s second chance was with something that she already has. Her second chance was reconnecting with her almost ex-husband and gaining some confidence in herself and her ideas at work. So often second chance romances are all about the romance, but for this novel, the most important second chance is her relationship with herself.

I also really appreciate that this novel gives us two neurodivergent characters. In fact, we see the world through the eyes of our female main character who later in the novel realizes she may be a neurodivergent.

I listened to the audio of this one, and I want to get a shout out to the audiobook narrator (Gail Shalan) who provided a fun and easy listen.

Rules for Second Chances is an interesting, thoughtful and delightful romance. I definitely recommend it to other romance readers out there!

Liz has reached a crossroads with both her professional and her personal life. At age 30, she finds herself unhappy with both and wanting to make a change. When it is suggested that she join a local improv class, she takes this opportunity in hopes that it helps her gain some confidence to act on her goals.

Rules for Second Chances is a stand-alone romance with open-door content.

What a glorious debut! Rules for Second Chances is a moving, beautiful love story. Marriage in trouble romances seem to be on the rarer side as far tropes go. The author really did an exceptional job with what could be considered a more sensitive topic in romances while keeping it realistic.

I highly recommend the audiobook. I actually read through the ebook 1st 6 months ago and enjoyed listening through the audio just as much now. The book is solo narrated by Gail Shalan and she does well keeping all of the characters separated and distinctive.

This was one of the first books that I read this year and still one of the most impactful. I look forward to reading many more books from Maggie North in the future.

I voluntarily read, listened to, and reviewed advanced copies of this book and audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North
Contemporary chick lit, romance with diverse characteristics for the couple. Second chance in that the couple is working on themselves and their marriage through therapy and improv.
Liz Lewis isn’t comfortable in social situations. She’s a data analyst and a numbers person. It’s where she excels. But that also means she is overlooked at promotion time since she doesn’t have the skills or experience to sell her ideas or her personality.
Her 30th birthday is a catalyst for herself and her marriage. She needs to learn to stop being a bit player in her own life. She’s told an improv class may be the ice breaker she needs. Maybe it will help her marriage as well as her confidence at work.
One key is to stop saying “no”. Use, “yes, and” to keep the conversation moving.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Gail Shalan who does a wonderful job with the two distinct voices, as well as the clear stress and anxiety that Liz is going through. She also performs Tobin’s voice a bit softer and appeasing which fit his character dead on. I listened to this at 1.5, my preferred speed.

Sad story that has a happy ending after a lot of soul searching and obstacles. I’m glad I was able to listen to this and not just read an ecopy. I’m not sure I would have finished if I just had an ebook. I need more happy, love and laughter before the 94% mark. So yes, a lot of angst here but they are dong the right thing in working on it. Yes, they clearly loved each other. But the story is them both finding a way to start over and get out of the trap of not talking to each other. Doing what they individually think is best without ever discussing. Which was sometimes hard to then have them walk away from each other as they were still working through their issues for the majority of the story.
They wanted and follow a form of therapy and that is never a bad thing in my opinion. It’s just a lot of work.
If you like angst and self improvement and figuring out those deeply hidden emotions, this romance is ultimately happy so don’t be afraid to jump in.

I received a copy of t this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Gail Shalan. I had issues with the narration because the difference in volumes. She spoke very softly at times to where I couldn't hear what she was saying at all. At times she would yell. I was constantly adjusting the volume until I got to the point that I just gave up on hearing the soft parts.

The story was a second chance trope, which I love. I loved Tobin wanting a second chance with his wife. He was a super sweet guy. Liz is kind of a mess, but then you find out why. The concept of her trying to do improv as a way to further her career was kind of strange to me. I think if some of that had been removed from the book and more emphasis had been put on the marriage it may have been more appealing to me.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

A brilliant and raw examination of self love and marriage — 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 is so much more than I expected. I loved this book, and I will likely read it again (not something I really do).

As a woman diagnosed with autism in her 30s, I related deeply with Liz. Her journey filled my heart with so many emotions. 💗

Brimming with heart, I highly recommend this for readers interested in a second chance romance that delves into topics beyond the surface.

I listened to this on audio, and Gail Shalan is exquisite. 👏🏼
𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 5⭐️

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🏔️ the great outdoors
🏔️ second chance romance
🏔️ journeys of self-discovery
🏔️ neurodivergent — autism rep
🏔️ emotional stories
🏔️ found family
🏔️ a little improv comedy

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted review copy. Opinions are my own.

I thought I would love this book, since many people wonder about the “one who got away” and occasionally fantasize about a second-chance. This book didn’t really fit the second-chance trope for me, as this was about a couple trying to save a marriage. That’s great, but this book was all over the place. The FMC was trying to save her marriage, her job, relationships with various families members, etc. Random things would come into play & just disappear with no further mention. It was all a bit too chaotic for me and I couldn’t connect with the characters.

Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this second chance romance that explores the power of improv to both build confidence to help rebuild a floundering marriage. I loved the setting of a beautiful Canadian tourist town. I really liked Liz and Tobin and I appreciated all the romcom references. The side characters are fantastic. I especially liked Stellar and Sharon.

The audiobook is narrated by Gail Shalan. I enjoyed the way she brought Liz’s story to life. I’m not sure if Gail is Canadian or not, but I loved the subtlety of her accent in this performance. The elongated vowels are definitely present, but they come and go in a way that felt very true-to-life. (I grew up in Northern Wisconsin, where people tend to have similar speech patterns to some parts of Canada.) I also appreciated the slight variation between the intro and outro music for this audiobook. It seemed to embrace the spirit of both improv and this story.

I loved the concept of using improv to save your marriage but it didn’t seem worth saving. Tobin was likeable but Liz was not. Neither were the other characters. I couldn’t connect with any of them and found this book confusing. This one just was not for me.