Thank you to @netgalleyand @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copy of this book.

"Maybe true love only happens once in a lifetime. But what if it happened again with the same person?"

Summary: Liz Lewis has always been labeled as different despite trying her best to be exactly what everyone wants from her. After being mistaken for a waiter at her 30th birthday party, Liz vows to stop being a side character in her own life. She decides to try improv at the local community center to help her achieve her life and career goals. Along the way, after being separated from her husband Tobin, they decide to work on their relationship using an improv-inspired relationship advice book.

Thoughts: I'm so pleasantly surprised by this book!! I was blown away by the message and growth throughout this book with Liz and her relationship with Tobin. As someone who has social anxiety as well, I could relate to Liz's fear of being in certain social situations. I love that she jumped with two feet into the world of improv despite all the chaos in her personal life. Liz didn't realize how much she was stretching herself outside her comfort zone until Tobin brought it to her attention. Also, Tobin.... I mean he was such a sweet man who loved Liz for her. But he had to work through some areas of his life to help their marriage grow as well. I loved that he took the initiative to find them counseling, even seeking the help of his friend who wrote a book featuring improv to help with relationships. The fact that he wanted to help work on their relationship made me love him more. This book was so much more than a marriage in-crisis book, it was also about Liz liking and embracing the person she is, rather than molding herself to fit a certain shape.

Gail Shalan did a fantastic job of bringing this book to life. It kept me entertained throughout and I really didn't want to stop listening. Highly suggest listening to this one!!

I usually like a marriage in crisis romance, but this one didn’t work for me. I feel like there was too much going on here in Liz’s head. She wanted improv to find herself but it ended up being too much to use it to save the marriage, too. I wish we had gotten Tobin’s POV because that would’ve helped balance out the feelings about this marriage. I also wasn’t a fan of the narrators male voice. While this was a miss for me, I hope it finds the people who enjoy improv and this trope.

Read if you like:
🥈 Second Chance Romances
💍 Marriage in Trouble
🏞️ Outdoors
🧠 Neurodivergent Characters
🐣 Breaking out of your Shell

I really enjoyed this book especially as someone who has lived safely in many aspects and struggled with friendships and putting myself out there, I saw myself and some of my struggles in many small ways through Liz.

Liz and her husband Tobin have had a passionate relationship but there is much more that needs to happen other than the passion in the bed, like communication and actual quality time together. For too long Liz has not communicated her needs and allowed herself to live in a shadow cast by her popular and outgoing husband, but now, her final straw has been pulled when she is mistaken as a sever by a guest at her own birthday party.

Rashly when Liz can’t take it anymore she tells Tobin they are done and she needs a break, and she isn’t sure for how long.

This begins the start of her road to discovering herself and what she wants as she tries to step outside her husband and coworker’s shadow.

When Liz is recommended to take an improv course by her supervisor when she discusses interest in more at work, she absolutely sucks and to make matters worse, she can’t find a partner until her husband she is separated from steps in willing to help.

This story is truly a love story to individuals that struggle and receive late diagnoses for a diagnosis on the neurodivergent spectrum as adults that always felt different and unseen though Liz as she experiments and explores to figure out what she wants and needs in life outside of trying to people please and fit in.

As someone who has struggled with feeling different and out of place, Liz’s journey really spoke to me and truly makes me hope I can figure out a formal assessment because though a diagnosis won’t change who I am, I think as with Liz, it will help me give myself grace and understand myself and my needs more.

Thank you so much to St Martin’s press for my ARC and Macmillan Audio for my ALC of this one in exchange for my honest review!

Publisher's Summary:

[...]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. Liz has just eight weeks to learn improv’s most important lesson—"yes, and"—or she’ll have to choose between the love she always wanted and the dreams that got away.

My thoughts:

Rules For Second Chances is a unique second chance romance. The third act breakup comes in the first act and the couple's miscommunication isn't something trivial, it's the theme of their marriage. Liz's insecurities have led her to feel as if she's a secondary character in her own life and Tobin refuses to show the world anything but the heavy rose colored glasses he feels he has to wear to maintain his relationships in his life.

The theme of the book was second chances but Liz and Tobin started to realize they never really knew themselves, let alone their partner. Through improv and a nontraditional relationship workbook the two turn around the marriage that used to make Liz feel invisible and Tobin feel like showing his true feelings would lead to more abandonment.

The audiobook has great narration and Gail Shalan performs the role of a woman struggling through the emotional process of discovering her own(presumedly) neurodivergent mind with the care North put into Liz's character.

If you're looking for a unique open door marriage-on-the-rocks romance, Rules For Second Chances comes out in print and audio on June 25th.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this ALC of Rules For Second Chances by Maggie North.

3.5 ⭐️ First off I want to say that the narrator for this was wonderful! Great delivery. I just have no many mixed feelings on this one…. Liz Lewis WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!? Tobin is a doting dreamboat! I really loved his character so much and I was very irritated at how Liz was giving him the run around. Like ma’am this is your husband not just some random guy. I do think her boss was a dick and loved her major girl power moments with him. I did understand where she was coming from about them needing to be separated at work things, but everything else?! Liz you wild.

The improv stuff and the “get magic” were weird for me personally. Also can we talk about Jess Andy?! Just no. lol

Their jobs were cool and the steamy moments were really well written!

I am super picky about second chance romance, and while this one was okay, it did fall a bit short for me.

There were some cute moments, but there was truly a lot going on and it seemed a bit confusing. I didn’t think the work was done with the relationship.

This was just pretty bland for me, unfortunately.

This was a unique take on a second chance romance. My heart broke for these characters several times throughout the story because they kept misreading each other and the situation. But it was worth hanging in there because I really did grow attached to both of them and was eager to see how their story resolved itself.

Liz and Tobin are married but have drifted apart. Liz feels like she's overlooked by everyone and that Tobin outshines her. Tobin is always trying to make their marriage appear perfect while not realizing that just because it "appears" perfect doesn't mean it is. They each have past issues that they have brought into the marriage and it's eroding it. Unless they do some quick repair, things will truly fall apart. At the same time, Liz is trying to obtain a job promotion and is going through some improv classes to help herself become more comfortable in front of people. It's a lot for her to be trying to work on at one time - - two major life events is a lot.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I really enjoyed the audiobook narration. It was really well done and kept me invested in the storyline. I kept listening to this audio one day at work because it kept me mesmerized. 4 1/2 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook.

Raw, real, relatable neurodivergent character, Liz, is determined to be seen.

Liz would never make a big deal out of how hard she works and the success that comes with it, unlike many of her coworkers.

Used to keeping her head down as the dedicated and devoted employee she is, she bravely decides to ask for a raise and a promotion into a different department.

When her boss says she’s a vital, behind the scenes worker Liz decides she’s had it! She’s sick and tired of being invisible and only having magic and light shine on her when standing beside her handsome, outgoing husband whom works for the same company.

Going so far as to reevaluate her relationship with her husband, Liz moves in with her sister determined to find out who she is and how to make her own magic and light for the first time in her life. And how does she do that? Through improv classes, of course!

*I absolutely love and relate to the character Liz. While not personally being labeled autistic, I have been diagnosed with ADHD, severe social anxiety and bipolar 2 which falls under the neurodivergent umbrella.
I, too, am prone to keeping my head down and working hard, not needing to be acknowledged, coddled, or celebrated since that often feels uncomfortable. It always feels great to read about neurodivergent characters and seeing how they manage it. I adore Liz for stepping out of her comfort zone and realizing she has to feel good about herself and not rely on others to make her feel a sense of worth.

I highly recommend this for those who enjoy romance, women’s fiction, and neurodivergent characters!

I typically really enjoy second chance romances and while this was OKAY, it wasn't anything great.

There was a lot jam packed into this novel which lead to a lot of unanswered questions and confusion while I read. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters and actually found Liz to be quite frustrating at times. Heres to hoping others like this book more than me!!

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read / listen to this ARC.

This debut pulled me in quickly and I loved this book! The characters and the story kept me listening to this wonderful audiobook. The narration was very good!! It is a second chance romance but with a twist. This book had me laughing and crying!! Very emotional read for me.

Liz and Tobin have been married for 8 years but neither one is happy. Liz is an introvert and is mainly unseen by everyone. Tobin is an outdoor adventure guide that everyone gravitates to. Liz decides to move out as she is so unhappy. Can she find the way to heal herself so her marriage can be healed?? Impov is recommended to Liz for a job competition and Tobin becomes her partner. They will explore a lot that will hopefully allow both of them to grow and ultimately heal their marriage.

Highly recommend this book that comes out on 6/25. Maggie North has written a stunning and heartfelt debut that will have readers captivated into this story!!!

3.5 stars. Neurodiverse character decides she wants to save her chance at a promotion by doing improv. Her husband wants to use improv to save their marriage. Interesting premise.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for the advanced reader copy and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

I love a second chance romance, and this one was especially powerful. When Liz is struggling to be seen and to get considered for a promotion at work, she decides to try improv. And she simultaneously steps back from her marriage to Tobin.

Liz is neurodivergent. She sees the world differently, and that ends up being displayed as a powerful and helpful trait. I loved her representation, and I also related to an incredibly high number of her character traits.

We don't get to know Tobin quite as well since the story is told in Liz's first person POV. But we get to know what she sees in him. And Tobin seems fantastic and loving, but also another person who doesn't see her whole self. I wanted to see him grow as much as Liz did during the story.

This story made me so emotional in so many ways. And with the incorporation of improv, it had just the right balance of comedy to offset the tougher topics.

Gail Shalan narrated the audiobook. I didn't love her voice for Tobin, but I loved the rest of her performance. I highly recommend this amazing book in whichever format you choose. It left me saying, "Yes, and..."

4.5 stars rounded up

Liz is a neurodivergent character, which is such a unique aspect to cover. There are so many different ways that could be played out. The writing does a great job of making you understand how she is feeling immediately. You can feel what she feels. Her anxiety, being overwhelmed, and her frustrations. They were so well written. I could see people being able to relate to her or her situation. 
 
For me, it was all a lot. I felt how the character felt frustrated and annoyed, but not to the point where I wanted to see what happened. It was with Liz, the character, and it just wasn't for me. 

Oh and her sister was kinda horrible.

This book is the most unique romance book I have ever read. It was not what I was expecting.

It was so much better.

I don’t think I can adequately put into words my feelings for this book. It is such a tender story. It’s crafted beautifully, written with depth and humour. The setting is beautifully described. The characters and relationships are so real. It’s deep. It’s heart breaking. It’s liberating. It’s healing. I highly recommend it.

Read if you like:
💔Marriage in crisis
🫡 Improv
🧜‍♀️ Cosplay wardrobe malfunctions witnessed by your MIL
♾️ Neurodiversity representation
🏔️ The great outdoors
❤️‍🩹 Self discovery and healing
💕Found Family

I listened to this book and the narrator Gail Shalan absolutely nailed it. I still hear Liz’s voice in my head when I think back to this book. And the way Tobin says Liz 🫠🫠🫠. This is an excellent audiobook.

Rules for second chances

Liz Lewis has always blended in and gone with the flow, content to be in the background, but she’s not willing to take it anymore. She wants to stand on her own two feet and stop being the supporting character in her own life. Her thirtieth birthday gives her the push she needs to take the lead and that means questioning everything she’s ever known, her marriage, her job, every choose she makes. Liz’s path to self discovery has her marriage hanging in the balance, but she’s determined to find her own footing no matter the cost. She’s about to find out if she can fall in love with the same person again, this time loving herself in the process.

I’ll admit when I picked this book up I didn’t look too much into it and was expecting your typical romance, but this book is heavier than that and I wasn’t fully prepared. The author explores many different facets in a relationship and internally. Instead of being a straightforward romance, this book explores a floundering marriage and the main characters happiness. I like the idea behind this book, but I just didn’t fully click with it. I really did enjoy the ending and how everything tied up, but the journey there was bumpy for me. This is not a bad read, just not the typical romance I was expecting and part of that is my fault for going on with that mindset. I think you could enjoy this book if second chances in marriage and discovering yourself are interests to you, it’s just not the first thing I want to read about.

I love the idea of a marriage in trouble using an improv class to improve their relationship. I just didn’t love the execution.

The narrator did a great job!

Thank you McMillan audio for the ALC

Liz was hard to root for, which made this one hard for me. When you have someone on a path of self discovery, you need to like the character. Otherwise, you aren't invested in their journey.

Liz wasn't the only problem. Tobin was a dull, too-perfect character.

I liked the concept and the blurb. It just wasn't enough to hold my interest very well.

Gail Shalan narrates the audiobook.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am normally not a fan of second chance trope or the miscommunication trope. But by the end of this read I am rethinking my stance. The personal growth that Liz went through in finding herself was so amazing to experience right along with the character. I've felt very similar to and related to Liz, and have often wondered where I rest on the spectrum. I also never liked improv until now and am considering seeking out a club of some sort. Because like Liz's best friend, I don't want to spend my thirties in a job that makes me miserable, and improv might help with saying yes instead of staying comfortable.

All in all I really liked this book and I would definitely recommend it. The narrator was also really good and I'll be seeking out more books she's narrated.

Buckle up, this is not an ordinary second chances romance. It is so, so, so much more! The narration really brings the characters to life and connects the listener to the story that makes it even more engaging. The characters are so real, so flawed and so special that you can't help but become entranced with their story and want to keep listening to see if they will work things out or end up going their separate ways. I love the ultimate theme of the story of being seen by the ones you love vs seen by others. I also love the neurodivergent aspect of the story. It is incredible to see a main character with a neurodivergent personality in such a positive light. As an aunt to someone on the autism spectrum, it is wonderful to see it being spotlighted in a positive aspect rather than the quirky side character. Kudos to this author for weaving a compelling story with such a special twist! I can't wait to read more from this author and being a series addict, I do hope we see more from the characters in the story as there is definitely the possibility of other characters shining in their own stories!

I loved this coming of age story. Liz is neurospicy and coming to realize she has spent her life relying on others for her comfort and safety. She is feeling unfulfilled in her married life with Tobin, as well as her professional life. Liz decides to separate from Tobin in an effort to find who she is and how she can rely on herself to find joy and fulfillment.
She decides she wants to go for that promotion she has dreamt about; she creates a plan to learn the skills needed to present her plan by taking an improve class. As the weeks of improv classes pass by, Liz begins to find her confidence and independence she has been lacking.

I loved this book. It is a feel good, self discovery, quick read. I will definitely read this one again!