I loved it! The main characters have real depth, and the course of their relationship, what went wrong with it, and how they learn to get it right the second time around, rings true because it isn't instant, and they encounter many setbacks.
The reality for neurodivergent people struggling to navigate life and relationships is a big theme in the book, and it is treated sensitively and believably.
This is a second-chance love story about an estranged couple, a hopeful story about dysfunctional families, and a story about one woman's voyage to self-acceptance and self-discovery, finding her true voice, and showing up authentically for those she loves.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic copy of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of part-romance, part-motivational-life-advice with a neurodivergent protagonist at the helm will adore Maggie North’s debut novel, “Rules for Second Chances”.
Liz Lewis has aways been a secondary player in her own life. Her husband, Tobin, charismatic and extroverted, makes friends easily and is the most popular guide at the outdoor adventure group both he and Liz work for. At Liz’s job, her boss continues to tell her she is so valuable, she cannot be replaced, leading her to stagnate in the one position she’s held for years because she is too uncomfortable to ask for a change. Finally, after her thirtieth birthday party where she was, yet again, hiding in the background, she decides to take her own life into her own hands and make the necessary changes so that she, and only she, is responsible for what happens in her life.
Right from page one, Liz is eccentric, socially awkward and next level delightful. She knows her faults and wears them proudly, until the day comes when she realizes she is pigeon-holed by never taking chances. Although not diagnosed until the very end of the book, Liz comes to terms with her autism diagnosis as well, which makes her feel even more segregated from everyone else. Liz was the perfect protagonist, brave, independent and kick-ass and her relationship with Tobin was enviable, even when they were having problems.
“Chances” encourages readers to take their lives into their own hands, to make uncomfortable changes and seemingly unreasonable demands, all while navigating the struggling romance of Liz and Tobin and the challenges of the outdoor adventure business market. The plot is unique and highly enjoyable, where the romance components are more about Liz falling in love with herself then back in love with Tobin (although when they connect, there are definitely some steamy scenes).
North’s “Chances” is refreshing, quirky and motivating. Although not a fan of romance novels, in general, I wouldn’t necessarily qualify “Chances” as such (that’s my story, anyway), as it was more uplifting and realistic than saccharine and cringy. I am thrilled to see that “Chances” is getting a follow-up, focusing on Liz and Tobin’s best friends (both characters I loved), so I’ll definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for that one.

I'm always a little bit evenly split on opinions when it comes to "marriage on the rocks" romance but this book definitely fell on the positive end of the spectrum for me! I really enjoyed how heartfelt it was and how, overall, it was a story of growth. Both Liz and Tobin had me invested in not only their own individual journeys, but the fate of their love.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for gifting an early copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. It was such a pleasing and enjoyable novel and I'll be keeping my eye out for more by Maggie North in the future.

I adored this (kind of) second chance romance debut novel by @maggienorthauthor and cannot wait to read her second book which comes out in June.

As someone who suffers from anxiety, feels socially awkward, and is an introvert most of the time I understood Liz. I could relate to her and her feelings of being unseen and not fitting in.

While this novel does deal with some heavy topics at times but it reads like a romcom. I highly recommend this one of a kind heartwarming novel.

I tandem read the ebook while listening to the audiobook. @grshalan does a great job with the narration. I actually just put a few books on hold @libby.app with her narrating so that I can listen to more of her work.

I got 30% of the way in and I couldn’t do it anymore. I found it hard to follow and it was kind of all over the place. Just not for me. 🙂

2.5

Rules for Second Chances has some really fun and fresh elements. The use of improv therapy as a plot device was a standout—it brought humor, energy, and something genuinely different to the story. Those moments had a spark to them that I really enjoyed, and they gave the book a unique voice.

But overall, I struggled to stay engaged. The pacing felt uneven, with major plot developments—like big emotional confrontations or turning points—rushed through without enough buildup. I also had a hard time connecting with Liz. While I appreciated her character growth, being in her head the entire time just didn’t work for me. I found myself getting bored, and honestly, I think if we’d had Toby’s perspective too, it would’ve added much-needed depth and balance.

I also didn’t love the romance. For a second chance love story, I felt like we didn’t get enough of their first chance to really root for the second. More flashbacks or insight into their past relationship would’ve made their reconnection feel more meaningful and emotional.

It’s a creative book with some charming, funny moments—but the emotional core just didn’t fully hit for me.

This one was just okay for me! Honestly, I found the conflict reached absurdity when it dragged on for so long. I understood it in the beginning, but at some point it was just plain insecurity driving them apart. I wish the conversation of autism was more spread out through the book. The conclusion wrapped up too easily for my liking considering everything these characters went through emotionally. The improv concept was fresh and new and I love how it was woven throughout the story to bring characters closer together. A unique and fun idea.

Thank you, Maggie North, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for this ARC. While this wasn’t my favorite rom com, it was an interesting read. I found some of it relatable though the main character was unlikable in many ways and other characters simply unrealistic. I did appreciate the journey to self-discovery through diagnosis though it panned out in a way that was a little off in a way that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

I don't even know how to describe all the feelings I felt when reading this book. I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time; it's funny and sad and happy and thought-provoking.

Maggie North's writing is superb in this single POV relationship-in-crisis romance about Liz and Tobin, a couple at a crossroads when Liz decides she needs and wants to be seen for who she really is, and determines she can only do that on her own, moving out of her home and moving in with her sister and niece - just a few houses down the street. Liz takes improv classes, starts making new friends, starts to say and do "yes, and," even when Tobin asks Liz to try to work on their relationship.

There were scenes that had me laughing out loud, scenes I wanted to cry, scenes I wanted to reach into the pages and hug Liz. And there were scenes in which I felt so seen, where it felt like Maggie had reached deep into my life, my brain, my heart and pulled out some of my deepest vulnerabilities, difficult experiences, hopes and dreams and put them into words that I couldn't dare articulate myself.

It is a romance so we do have an HEA and it is so well earned. It's beautiful and true to the characters.

This book is definitely one of the best books I have ever read.

Huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and Maggie North for providing me with an eARC of her debut book (all opinions are my own), and for being willing to become a friend. It is an honour and joy to know you and I'm so excited for you.

A story brimming with so much emotion! I was not expecting to connect with this one in the way that I did. The beautiful cover art does not prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster (in a good way). The beginning is a bit slow, and I had to push through some miscommunication between MCs, which is not my favorite, but it had a very nice payoff!

I’ve tried time and again to get into this story, but it hasn’t hooked me. I find myself setting it aside. It’s just very dull and not anything intriguing, I’m sorry to say.

The day of Liz & Tobin’s wedding, Liz’s sister announces that she’s getting a divorce and tells Liz that her marriage will eventually go down the drain too. Liz takes it to heart and carries that stress with her throughout the years. When Tobin comes home after one of his long trips away, Liz realizes she just can’t take it anymore and tells Tobin that she’s moving out while she figures out what she wants to do about their marriage. Tobin doesn’t understand why Liz has suddenly decided to step away, but he asks her if they could at least try to keep their marriage together and use his best friend’s recently-published review-seeking marriage counseling book. Liz agrees and they start their journey with the Second Chances Handbook.

I enjoyed the story but got really annoyed by both of them in some parts of the story. Character development was solid and although the conflict resolution was a bit slow, it kept me engaged until the end.

I liked that this couple was already married and having to work on their relationship. I liked the way improv provided a helpful metaphor for relationships. Some of the other pieces didn't always work for me, like there was too much going on? I was rooting for the characters though and would definitely read another Maggie North book. 3.75/5

This book was sooo good! I could not put it down. And the cover is so cute! Thank you netgalley for the chance to read the advanced copy!

This book hit me a lot harder than I expected it to, which I honestly should have expected with the marriage in trouble aspect. I wasn’t sold on the improv idea at first, but once the book got farther along I’ll admit to seeing the value in it for Liz. I ended up really enjoying Liz and Tobin’s journeys both together and individually.

Second chance romance is hit or miss for me, and this was just okay.

It was cute, and I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Liz, the FMC, and Tobin, the MMC, change. But it was also a bit confusing. There was a lot going on and while Liz and Tobin did reconnect, I didn’t really see the love between them. This kind of felt more of a self-journey for Liz than a romance, which is fine. But it’s not what I was expecting.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC. All thoughts are my own.

DNF'ed at 20% (I did not leave a star rating on Goodreads.)

I love the premise of this story: a neurodivergent heroine chooses herself when it comes to love and her career. She's tired of always being underestimated and outshone in her marriage and in the office. HOWEVER...the further I get into this story, the more the heroine is an enigma to me. I'm having difficulty understanding her desires to do certain things without her feeling a bit immature or almost spoiled. The only really likable character is Tobin, Liz's husband, and she walks away from him because basically, he's too great. Scratching my head a bit on this one....

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The way this book started felt a little jarring - like I wanted a little more background about the couple before she's asking for a divorce in chapter 1. Overall the story was...fine. I wish I understood more about why Liz was so set on separating from Tobin, and Tobin always seemed confused, I wanted more communication between them. Toren always said yes to what she asked, but she was always surprised, and I didn't get that.

I love second chance romance! It is my favorite trope, but this one fell a little flat. The main characters were shallow and hard to root for. Overall the story was nice, and easy to follow. But it was missing something.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. I'm glad it has been released.