𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 follows Sora who's tired of being burned by men who don't even deserve a second glance, so she takes on a vow to refrain from dating for the month of February, especially during the Valentine extravaganza.
Enter Jack Mann. When the connection between the former classmates is re-established, Sora begins to question the legitimacy of her vow amidst stress from her workplace as well as the internet.

- ~ -

First off, Sora is such a pretty name?

I guess with the names comes the character, and honestly I didn't hate Sora. She was relatable and took things light-heartedly but I do believe she needs much more therapy than what was mentioned in the story to better understand self-care

Her love interest? Jack? Swoon.

He was a great addition to the story and while he may have messed up slightly, it was something that could be forgiven so I'm not holding that against him. Also, he was hot with all his baking.

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?"
"𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦, 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦!"
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘯," 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳.

Also, that epilogue? I want one for myself.

It took time for the story to gain momentum towards the self-care aspect of the plot but Sora did manage to reach there so all's well that ends well, I guess.

- ~ -

3.54 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

I loved this book it was funny, and so cute, the characters were not dislikable and you could tell the 2 mains were going the distance it was just going to take a bit and i love the whole #solofebruary theme of the book i think it was very relatable to real life and we all should do a little self care

I am not a fan on insta love. This book was a great idea just wasn’t executed in a way that i would enjoy. I’m sadly left disappointed.

I wanted a light and fun rom com so I skipped a little ahead and read this one. Its set around Valentine’s Day and is coming out January 31st!

Sora has taken a vow to #gosolo for the month of February. She plans on writing about it for her magazine for the entire month. She’s decided that after her long history of bad relationships, she needs to be single a while. Unfortunately for Sora, shortly into the month she runs into hunky Jack Mann, a boy she knew from elementary school. Sora struggles with her newfound feeling, and how wonderfully perfect Jack seems – she’s supposed to be empowering her readers, not letting them down by falling in love. Will Sora go after her happily ever after at the expense of her professional career, or will she tell Jack not right now?

This one delivered in the light and fun rom-com area. It was such a pleasant read. While sometimes I felt the author got a tad over aggressive with the descriptions, and the kitschy euphemisms it was still fun. I laughed out loud several times. I loved that the characters met at such a young age and spent years together, then found each other in their 30’s and fell in love. I found this storyline incredibly catching and fun. I was a little bummed to see that the character on the cover wasn’t featured as plus size, when the book points out her body shape a lot. This was a quick and entertaining read so make sure to add it to your tbr today.

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher Severn House, @severnhouseimprint, for my advanced copy in exchange for this honest review.

This book had a lot to like, and a few things to maybe not like - but in the end it's a sweet, romantic romp with a side of self-actualization.

The premise is cute: After a breakup, Sora invents #gosolo February as a way to boost her freelance writing paycheck while making peace with her perennial singledom, but when she meets hot baker Jack she's tempted to pursue a relationship. But I had a hard time getting on board with the stakes. February is only four weeks long; why not just wait? And because of the short time frame, it was hard to really feel invested in the characters' relationship - and, since it's a romance, their relationship is pretty important.

The writing is also very good. Sora's voice is witty and smart, and her wry commentary on her sister's wedding planning and her own breakups is the best part of the book. Jack also narrates several chapters, and I really enjoyed how well-developed his character was. I appreciated the attention paid to Sora's relationships with her sister and mother, and I thought the more serious emotional side of the story was very well-done.

Less developed was Sora and Jack's cadre of evil exes. These were pretty important to the story but very one-dimensional, written with a bit of a slapstick sensibility - which I also noticed in some of the lighter moments of the story. I think some people will find this very funny, others not so much.

... Which brings us to the bacon. Sora likes bacon. A lot. It's something of a running joke throughout the story, and I didn't mind it, but not everyone will appreciate it. She's also a size 14, and very aware of her size relative to other people's. I thought this was actually quite realistic and really appreciated reading about a woman whose size falls somewhere in between extremes, but I can see why some readers were bothered.

When I first started writing this review, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book, but now that I've thought about it, I've come out pretty positive! The Second You're Single was a funny, fast read with bacon, a cute dog, and some warm fuzzies at the end - an impressive feat for Chicago in February.

DNF 70% in. I really tried to get into this book. At some point I was even curious how it would end. I not opposed to insta love but this was ridiculous. Also I was really not enjoying that the main character talked about her weight non stop. I thought as I continued to read she would stop but it only got worse. Lastly I don’t think I can ever see, eat or hear the word bacon ever again.
Oh and lastly the scene with her sister when she was trying on dresses was HORRIFIC

A rom-com that is neither here nor there. It had its funny and cute moments, but a lot of the plot was about Sora being her own worst enemy. There needed to be more with the other characters - friends, neighbors, exes, for it to feel well rounded and complete. It’s an easy read to enjoy on a weekend or at the beach but likely one you won’t fully remember reading years from now.

Unfortunately, I had to put this book down before finishing. I really liked the description of the story, but I felt it didn’t match what I was reading. I didn’t like the main character and all the food talk. It turned me off. And the love talk didn’t seem realistic.

The Second You’re Single had so much potential! This could have been such a cute and fun Valentines themed rom-com. However, there were so many things throughout the book that I just didn’t enjoy.

I hated the “insta love” that seemed to occur. Sora brought Jack home and the next day it was, “I think I’m in love with you”. Like okkkk.

Then, the most obvious thing I disliked was the constant references to bacon and food in general. Every other page bacon was mentioned.
Sora seems confident and body positive one second and then the next she’s calling herself a whale. She also makes fun of smaller women eating kale or having dietary restrictions. That just doesn’t sit well with me.

Every time Jack is mentioned, the author had to repeatedly remind us that he was “chubby” as a kid. Every time Sora’s mother or sisters are mentioned their weight or size is brought up. What they do or don’t eat is always mentioned.

This was suppose to be a cute and fun story, and the constant focus on weight, food, and clothing sizes made it so hard to enjoy. I would have been nice to see a main character that had personality traits besides being obsessed with bacon, and one that was actually confident with her body and size.

Would not recommend The Second You’re Single to anyone, honestly.

Sora has decided to #gosolo in February and inspire her readers to do the same. Her family gives her a hard time for not being married and other things when he younger sister seems to have it all. Her sister is getting married and wants there to be a couples' dance and when Sora tells her about her pact to stay single, she accuses her of ruining her wedding. Jack Mann went to elementary school with Sora and when he comes into the picture, Sora is all in on solo February, but that starts to change. She wants her readers to believe in her, but will Jack change that.

I am not really sure what it was about this book, but I could not get into it. I tried numerous times and whether it was the writing style or the comments about weight that other characters made about Sora or that she made about herself, it just gave me the ick. It was a struggle to finish.

This love story's description made me want to read this. I mean a #gosolo campaign and a woman who has decided to swear off men - sign me up

Sora is all of us when we have reached the end of the rope with men and dating. It's horrible, I do not recommend it - she is trying her best and sometimes working on herself is needed

Jack is coming off a relationship that managed to ruin his life and make things extremely hard but imagine his surprise when his elementary school crush is sampling his desserts.

Sora and Jack are made for each other but Sora is supposed to be solo and Jack's ex is crazy and won't let go

This was a super cute and inspiring story of two people trying to figure it out with many hanging elements. Figuring out what one truly wants out of life, relationships, and work

and the true meaning of self-care is not sure about spa days and drinks.

My one issue with this book is that the front of the book doesn't show Sora as plus-sized - I mean she's a size 14 and it came up - the book didn't give me that and I wish it did

Just a quick fun read that’ll have you reminiscing about your school girl crushes! Quick read that’ll make you smile!

I initially liked Sora's voice and her unapologetic attitude about who she was. She generally liked herself and shouted about her love of bacon. Bacon is delicious! While it starts with a good dose of humor, there are times when it borders on self-deprecation as opposed to making fun of herself in a healthy way. She would body shame herself and other people, which was supposed to be justified when those individuals turned out to be as judgemental as she assumed. These were symptoms of her insecurities, and I wish they had been better addressed as opposed to being wrapped up simply as self-love and empowerment because some of it was toxic.

I went in expecting empowerment but only got some of that. I enjoyed some of the humor and liked the fast pace. I generally liked Tanamachi's writing and would consider picking up a second book from the author, but further reading would depend on how that second book fares. If the humor is dependent on the main characters bringing themselves and others down without introspection, consequence, or valid reasons, I would pass on future books.

Firstly, thank you thank you THANK YOU for have a fmc who isn’t a size 2 & commenting about how many meals she’s skipped & how she’s naturally thin. And thank you for not making this a “selling point” of the book; if the only thing that makes your book stand out is that the fMC is plus sized, you need to rethink your plot.

That being said, this is the story of Sora (who is mid-to-plus-sized) taking on her own challenge to be solo in February, then running into a childhood friend, Jack, and of course hitting it off when she’s supposed to be embracing the single life.

I loved this story of Sora’s issues with herself, her family, and her newfound romance. I didn’t think that the inevitable break-up (this is a romance novel, this isn’t a spoiler) were contrived, and the ultimate reconnection worked beautifully. I did think that Jack’s ex was a little too “plastic” and I wish there had been a little more Jack & Sora’s romance.

Overall: 4 stars
Spice: behind closed doors

Having just listened to a When in Romance episode focusing on holidays, this Valentine’s day story feels timely. Freelance writer Sora pledges to stay single during the month of February to avoid Valentine’s Day and all of its trappings and disappointments, and #gosolo goes viral. The initiative is ill-timed with reconnecting with a crush from elementary school, Jack, who is all grown up and an accomplished baker recovering from his divorce to a very manipulative person.

Jack seems too good to be true, but is the real deal and everything Sora ever wanted: kind, considerate, loves her plus-size body, they share a sense of humor and sense of adventure. She is having trouble trusting and is suspicious of his conniving ex. But most of all, she needs to decide if she should hold to the “no-dating in February” rule that she’s commemorating in a column that will hopefully launch a regular feature and allow her to do the kind of journalism she’s really like to sink her teeth into.

This was a solid romance with funny moments and descriptive detail–Jack’s concoctions are mouthwatering. Sora and Jack were fully realized characters and even supporting characters had a complexity and depth, from Sora’s sister to Jack’s friend.

I received a free advance reader’s edition of #TheSecondYoureSingle from #NetGalley.

3-3.5 stars. Sora Reid is in a deep rut. She's not doing the job that she always dreamed of, her love life is nonexistent and Valentine's Day is her least favorite holiday. But at least her best friend bacon won't let her down and her dog Larry is always there to support her. I found Sora to be relatable and funny, but a little bit of a hot mess and sometimes she went a bit overboard playing the part of the the scorned Valentine hater and victim of circumstances. When she begins her #GoSolo journey, it seems to gain a lot of traction from her readership and turns into a movement. The momentum of all that was a bit of a stretch, but the point was made about how everyone should be involved and actively participating in their own self care before putting themselves in toxic or one sided relationships. While there are many good aspects and side plots in the story, some of it was repetitive and formulaic. Jack Mann is a breath of fresh air in a sea of guys with no backbones or maturity. He knows a what a rare find someone like Sora is and offers her everything that she's never had from a relationship before. The romance and relationship build up was cute and sweet and while I liked that Sora was taking the time to sort out putting herself first and doing a better job of recognizing how to be a better version, it fell a little bit short. Some of her hang ups and insecurities were simply told to the reader rather than shown and it was hard to see things and agree with her perspective without more reference. Still, I could appreciate Sora's growth from staying quiet and avoiding conflict to standing up for herself and demanding to deserve better. Jack really delivers in being the perfect guy to show her all that.

The Second You're Single is a story about Sora, a freelance writer, and her attempt to navigate the month of February. Recently single after she discovered her boyfriend was married, Sora swears off men and love for the most romantic month of the year. Cue a boy-now-man from Sora's childhood, Jack Mann, who has most likely loved Sora since they were children.

I found Sora to be shallow, self-absorbed and plain annoying. It was hard for me to root for her. The author seems to be obsessed with weight. This is 2022 and I found this aspect to be disturbing. It was borderline weight shaming. And don't get me started on the bacon obsession.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This would have been a great friends-to-lovers romance between a grumpy heroine and a semi-sunshine love interest... if not for the rampant fatphobia. I had no issue with Sora being a bit prickly and unhealed from previous heartbreak, since her emotional journey out of that unhealed place was a huge part of the plot, but the amount of self-loathing she heaped on herself for being in an average-sized body was truly awful to read. Based on the fatphobia alone I won't be recommending this to anyone.

This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed the character development and the romance. I look forward to reading more from this author!

Not a huge fan of this one. Mainly because in a few ways it boarder on a love triangle. And I'm not a fan of love triangle's they don't work. I've never read one that turns out good.