A second chance romance between a couple who is trying to give their relationship one more try. The premise is interesting and drew me in, including the improv plot line. I personally didn’t end up connecting to the story or the characters though I do think Liz and Tobin make a nice couple. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

This is a marriage in trouble, second chance romance and I especially love how improv plays a big part in the story.

Liz feels like she has become invisible at home and at work. Her husband, Tobin throws her a party for her 30th birthday and she is dismayed when his friends mistake her for hired help at the party. She is an introvert and feels herself shrinking and getting quieter. She feels like Tobin has gotten so busy, he doesn’t see her for who she is. Both Tobin and Liz work for West by North a mountain and river guide service. Liz is ready to make changes in her life, both at work and at home. She tells Tobin she wants to separate and she goes to stay with her sister and her autistic niece.

At work, she asks her boss to consider her for a promotion. She wants to be a leader and develop some unique tour ideas. He tells her she’s a numbers person and good with spreadsheets and to stick with that. But he suggests if she wants to improve her people skills, she should try an improv class being offerred locally.

Tobin is a popular and outgoing wilderness guide and he isn’t ready to give up on their marriage. He tried to make an appointment for them to see a therapist but they couldn’t get in for months so he asks Liz to try a relationship repair manual called Rules for Rebooting Your Relationship with Improv. When Liz goes to improv class, she finds out she needs a partner and Tobin offers to do it. And so their journey begins – they are on their way to find happiness as well as their way back to each other with improv and it’s an emotional ride. I found myself rooting for Tobin and Liz.

The secondary characters weren’t as lovable. There were a few that are supportive of Liz but there were some members from both of their families that were unkind to Liz and that was hard to watch - there’s a lot of drama with their dysfunctional families. This made the story hard to read in places. I wondered how they would overcome it all. I won’t give it all away but I will share that it’s wonderful when we see how they come back together. I loved the epilogue. There’s also a special cat named Himbo

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy second chance romance stories with drama and a couple that finds themselves again with the help of improv.

Rules for Second Chances is a poignant exploration of social expectations, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to break free from the scripts imposed by society. The novel is a celebration of authenticity, reminding readers that it's never too late to rewrite the script of one's life and pursue the dreams that may have been left behind. This is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that lingers, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the power of laughter, love, and self-acceptance.

RULES FOR SECOND CHANCES by Maggie North is a devastating, lovely second chance romance.

I'm not opposed to a rom-traum-dram, but marriage-in-peril is actually my least favorite subspecies of the second chance romance. Probably because it's too realistic—I'm convinced that most relationships are a handful of cascading decisions away from the danger zone. Which is what makes this book both devastating and lovely. Liz and Tobin still love each other deeply, but they both have made decisions that have pulled them apart. And the distance in their relationship feels so...possible.

From there, things get a little more fictional. There's an improv class, an improv-based relationship book, a pitch contest at work. There are also some really awful extended family members who may require a trigger warning, depending on how unpleasant your in-laws are 😬.

Along with the verisimilitude in the relationship problems is the very accurate, realistic work of putting things back together. Seeing the other person, seeing your own mistakes, making changes. It is lovely.

Thank you netgalley and st martins press for the #gifted #freebook in exchange for my honest review. Miscommunication is my most disliked trope and I am bummed this wasn't 5 stars for me.

I would say the characters in this book have serious CHEMISTRY. Apparently Tobin, the male lead character, is smoking hot. He's also incredibly kind and caring but unfortunately has a lifetime of family trauma. But our lead character is his estranged wife, Liz Lewis. Liz is going through something at the opening of the book. She's turning 30 and her stagnant position at her 'dude bro' workplace (an Outdoor Experience company) is what she is currently hyper-focused on. Liz impulsively leaves Tobin (moving 2 doors down to her parents'/sister's house). She's trying to figure out where she went wrong and thinks that if she somehow gains the respect of her boss and wins a 'pitch' contest that she will burst out of this hole she's dug herself into. So she takes the CEOs advice literally (also, did I mention this company is tiny?) and signs up for Improv and golfing. Oh the journey Liz is going to take is rough, guys. There is so much packed into these characters and their baggage will not zip up and is over the 50 pound weight limit. North packs a lot of things into this novel, and sometimes life is like this, but it's a lot to juggle in 352 pages. I enjoyed this, as I tend to enjoy complicated romances and especially second chance ones. I think I wished there was a little more revealing of what attracts Tobin so inexplicably to Liz. Not in the sense that her awkwardness needs to be justified, but in the way that the reader can better appreciate and adore the main character because her goodness are on display and outshine those insecurities and negative self talk we see repeatedly since she's the narrator. Maybe the choice is conscientious, in that no-one else needs to understand why he loves her (there is one scene where he does reveal his initial attraction), but it would be so lovely to see more than the physical response he repeatedly has toward her. I mean, she's more than just a hot body for him, right?
Thanks so much for the ARC!

Although the themes and tropes sounded appealing, I couldn't enjoy the writing style. It was my first time reading this author and sadly it didn't work for me. It was slow and I feel I never knew the characters. I never feel the connection between the MCs so I couldn't care less if they ended up together or not.

loved this 2nd chance at love between a husband and wife while working at the same company. she tries improv and works on herself and their relationship. she even tries to set boundaries with family and tries to find herself and wants to be seen by her tor. Loved the romance and all the different role plays that they did to help their marriage.

Is it possible to find a way back to someone you love desperately but the chasm feels too big?

An utterly stunning debut ‘The Rules for Second Chances’ is an unflinching look at a partnership in crisis when both partners are suffocated by the one-note roles they've found themselves playing but have papered over the cracks. It's also the story of a woman growing to embrace being a square peg in a world that tries to round her edges.

Skillfully written with well-rounded characters, this book is tender, heartfelt and poignant. It's clear they still have a blistering chemistry, but are both wearing masks (in Liz's case moreso with undiagnosed autism) to cope with their struggles. Neither will also deal with the toxic intrusion of their dysfunctional families in their marriage either which compounds their problems.

Maggie North really knows how to build the palpable tension and capture raw emotions. I really felt Liz's pain when she realises how she's invisible to everyone in comparison to the extroverted Tobin, and Tobin's pain when Liz would shut him down.

Supporting characters, such as Liz's newfound impro friends, were also enjoyable. The workplace dynamics were so well captured (who hasn't worked with a Dick Head?), and it also gave me feel for how much harder it is for neurodivergent people in group environments.

Coupled with vivid descriptions of Canadian scenery (Liz I'd love to travel to Canada and go on your quiet tours), I was so captivated that was reading until nearly 2am and woke up with a hangover thinking about how much I adored Liz and Tobin. By persisting in their impro exercises, these two really earned their ending. I came away with confidence knowing that they would not only be okay, but they'd thrive.

Yes, and get the magic by buying this book. Superb.
Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks @stmartinspress for this @netgalley ARC of Rules For Second Chances!

This was SO shockingly cute and simultaneously heartbreaking/heartwarming.

I don’t know that I’ve read a book before in which the struggling married couple is working to fix it, much less so genuinely and creatively and with such zest. I giggled uncontrollably and I also cried like my own husband was having a breakdown about our relationship in front of me (I don’t have a husband).

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Liz has been on the very brink of caving in for far longer than she’s realized. Between a family that doesn’t understand her, a job that doesn’t see her worth, and a husband who doesn’t seem to see HER, she is perilously close to losing it.

And lose it she does, when she realizes she is a background character at her own 30th birthday party (that she didn’t even want).

But Liz’s collapse is the inward kind, and her husband, Tobin, is bewildered by her sudden call for an indefinite pause.

Desperate to reinvent herself into a version that she (and hopefully those around her) love, Liz joins an improv class. Her boss encourages it, she dreads it, and her coworkers are stunned.

The only person willing to help her grow her confidence and improve her improv skills is the very husband she’s distancing herself from. But the catch is that she has to give their marriage another fighting chance - one ridiculous improv date at a time.

A great, mature, moving second-chance romance/marriage in crisis tale combined with an autistic woman’s journey of self-discovery,

It’s easy to see how readers might dislike the FMC, Liz, and love Tobin, the MMC. He’s a golden retriever, cinnamon roll hero who is so in love with his wife and tries so hard. Liz is neurodivergent and more prickly, and she’s in the midst of finding herself, which leads to their separation. Frankly, Liz is cruel to Tobin during the story, but there is a moment of realization and a happy ending, but I still expected more groveling.

"Rules for Second Chances" by Maggie North is a heartfelt and captivating exploration of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Liz Lewis, a woman who has always felt like an outsider in the world of wilderness expeditions, finds herself trapped in a toxic and unsatisfying marriage to Tobin Renner-Lewis, a popular adventure guide known for his relentless optimism.

Determined to break free from her role as a minor character in her own life, Liz takes a leap of faith and enrolls in an improv comedy class to boost her confidence. However, she quickly realizes that she is far from a natural, stumbling through the exercises with little success. The only person willing to practice with her is an extroverted wilderness guide, who also happens to be her estranged husband, Tobin.

As Liz and Tobin reconnect through their shared improv endeavors, they are forced to confront the reasons behind their previous failure. Liz's social awkwardness becomes a focal point, leading her to question its implications. The novel delves into the complexities of their relationship and poses the ultimate question: Can true love find its way back, even with the same person?

Through North's skillful storytelling and well-developed characters, "Rules for Second Chances" explores themes of identity, growth, and the power of connection. The novel strikes a beautiful balance between heartwarming moments and thought-provoking introspection, allowing readers to root for Liz as she navigates her path toward self-acceptance and understanding. With its blend of genuine emotion, relatable struggles, and a touch of romantic heat, this book captures the essence of seeking love and fulfillment in unexpected places.

"Rules for Second Chances" is a delightful and engaging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about personal growth, second chances, and the complexities of relationships. Maggie North's heartfelt exploration of love's potential to evolve and transform is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

Liz has never fit in and is painfully aware of that on her thirtieth birthday. Her husband, Tobin is loved by everyone and is often laughing with others as she stands alone. Liz decides it is time for her to move out and figure out how she can change herself. Improv comedy is at the top of her list, and she works at expressing her feelings. This is not easy and as she continues to be unsuccessful, perhaps a divorce is in order. She needs an improv partner to practice with, and Tobin asks to be that partner. This is a wonderful book. Liz’s niece is autistic, and she is one of Liz’s favorite people. I love how easily they relate. Although Tobin appears to be the life of the party, we learn this is difficult for him. Both Liz and Tobin do a great job of honoring each other as they sort through what they need. Second chances and ideas for improv provide a lot to think about. Great story and wonderful characters, even those you dislike.

Thank you to NetGalley And St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this title in exchange for a review.

This one was just okay for me. In the end, I liked how the characters ended up and how they developed individually but I felt like it took forever to get there. It was interesting to have some representation for neurodivergent people and I did feel like I could connect with the main character a little. To me, some more details of the backstory of how Tobin and Liz fell in love in the first place would have been a nice addition. Overall, it's a 3 star read for me because I enjoyed the last 25 percent of it but the rest felt slow to me.

"Rules for Second Chances" by Maggie North is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love and the possibility of finding it a second time, even with the same person. Liz Lewis, married to adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis, finds herself trapped in a marriage where her needs and desires are often overlooked. Determined to stop playing a minor role in her own life, Liz takes on a challenge to boost her confidence—enrolling in an improv comedy class.

As Liz navigates the unpredictable world of improv, she discovers more about herself and the reasons behind her social awkwardness. The person assisting her in this journey happens to be Tobin, her extroverted husband, intent on rekindling their relationship through unconventional improv scenarios. With eight weeks to master the art of improv, Liz is faced with a choice between the love she's always wanted and the dreams she set aside.

"Rules for Second Chances" is a tale of self-discovery, growth, and the possibility of finding love anew. The narrative delves into the challenges of relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding. As Liz and Tobin navigate the intricacies of their connection, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, warmth, and the universal quest for genuine connection. Maggie North weaves a story that resonates with authenticity, exploring the nuances of love, second chances, and the courage to step into the spotlight of one's own life.

I really wanted to like this. I read 25% of it being bored out of my mind. I mean, how are you one day just going to decide your marriage isn’t worth it anymore without ever having a conversation with your husband about it? And then essentially blaming him for not talking with you about it or noticing when you never brought it up? And then when he tries ro do everything in his power to earn you back, asking almost nothing in return, you still constantly consider him “your almost ex husband.” Girl you had one foot out the door from the start. And then 70% in you admit that you’re still pretending? Like why have you even bothered the last few weeks if you’re still pretending. It still doesn’t seem like *she* wants it.

Absolutely wonderful debut!! North seems to have a way of writing the story that has you fully immersed into it, Here, I loved the wit and charm, plus, the raw and crisp dialogues, i found it really entertaining. Going to highly recommending this!!

I enjoyed reading this one!

More than just a second chance romance, this book also gave a great story of friendship and finding and accepting new parts of yourself. Liz was so relatable, and I loved that she had the courage to break from what was no longer working for her. Tobin was a great hero and had you appreciating that he wasn't the typical alpha character. The storyline was fabulous, and the dialogue and writing were enjoyable to read.

I would definitely recommend this one!

Liz and Tobin are struggling in their marriage. Liz feels invisible besides Tobin and his sunshine demeanor. Liz gets mistaken for a server at her 30th birthday party and decides that she needs to "find magic" like Tobin in order to be seen and accomplish her goals. She leaves Tobin after her birthday party to give herself space and sets out to achieve her professional goals. Liz is taking an improv class and needs a partner for extra practice and Tobin has a book that is a guide to fixing your relationship via improv to try and fix their marriage.

This is a romance/women's fiction with some of the most complex characters that I have ever read. Liz and Tobin's view of their marriage and the influence that their past traumas have on their perspective is illustrated so well. This is not a lighthearted romance novel. This is about Liz's journey to understanding herself and improving her marriage. Tobin is such a compassionate MMC and his love for Liz in the midst of what they go through in the book is beautiful. A meaningful read that illustrates a woman with newly acknowledged neurodivergence as an adult and how she improves her relationships and professional life despite that.

Is true love possible for a second time with the same person? I'm always a sucker for a marriage-in-trouble, second chance romance, and RULES FOR SECOND CHANCES was a joy to read. But what I really loved and admired most was how much this story focuses on self-discovery, self-acceptance and self-expression as Liz embraces who she really is. Liz wants people to see her and no longer be the supporting role in her life (and invisible next to her charming, extroverted husband) - but the main star.

I appreciated the reminders: don't just take what you can get, but instead go after what it is you want and closing yourself off due to fear or discomfort can prevent you from discovering your truth, no matter what happens even when your life is scary - know that you will be okay, surprising yourself with what you are capable of. Romance is my favorite genre, but this book felt so much more than just a romance. I deeply connected and related to Liz, and am so happy to have read Liz and Tobin's story.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.