I enjoyed this novel and read it pretty quickly. Both the female and male main characters were extremely likable. I love the marriage of convenience trope. I loved her friends as well those characters added a lot do the plot. I personally did not love her family, but I think that was the point. They had all made mistake but I feel the character was a bit passive when forgiving them. Overall a good read I would recommend to friends!

The book had a cute idea but I could not get into it. I didn’t connect with the characters and it felt a little jumbled n

Did not love this story. There were too many coincidences that it started to become a little tedious and trite. I wanted to put the book down a few times since I thought I could figure out the ending by page 30, but I kept reading. I did however love the premise and thought there were so many directions the story could be taken, but I felt fell flat

📚Falling for you again- Kerry Lonsdale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fate reunites a young woman with her ex-husband in a delightful and inspiring novel about family, old loves, and marriage on a dare by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.
This book follows our female main character Meli and her love interest Aaron as they reunite to accomplish a shared goal, with high-tension and some unresolved feelings for each other, the decide to enter a marriage of convenience, is that the most mature way to deal with your family drama? May not, but we love to read about it.
These characters were very realistically written, they were vulnerable and flawed and hopeful. Meli and Aaron’s relationship was very entertaining to follow and I’m so great full I got to read about their struggles and their love.

Tropes:
💕second chances
🏡marriage of convenience
💕complicated families
🏡1st person POV

OUT: Jul 08 2025

Quote:
“Then he smiles, and I’m reminded of a sunflower unfurling in the sunlight. It brightens his disarmingly handsome face that has just a touch of wildness.”

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

🏷️

#FallingforYouAgain #NetGalley

I always enjoy Kerry's books, I really love her writing style. Falling For You Again by Kerry Lonsdale was an adorable book! It was sweet and loving without being too sappy. I adored Meli & Aaron as a couple and was their biggest fan. I just was hoping they could get their act together. Meli is a runaway bride. Literally. She was in her wedding dress about to walk down the aisle when she ran away. Hoped on a plane to Vegas. This is where she meets Aaron a complete stranger but the two have an instant connection. I loved their how they met story… the two spend 24 hours together in Vegas and end up married and spend Meli’s honeymoon in Maui together. They agree to a divorce and they never see each other again. 5 years later the two run into each other and the connection is still there. I loved that all the characters had depth to them and the story wasn’t simply about a romance. It was Meli feeling worthy of love not just by Aaron but her parents too. This will definitely not be my last book by her, I will wait ever so patiently for her next read!

Thank you NetGalley and Kerry Lonsdale for granting me an ARC of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance x marriage of convenience romance. The descriptions were perfect and I was able to imagine exactly what was happening. I also loved all the clever cafe names and chapter titles!!

I’m a sucker for an FMC overcoming her trauma with the never ending support of the MMC and this book delivered. Check out the cute scene where they pick out books for each other!

The one thing I struggled with a little bit was following along with the flashbacks - it took me a few lines for me to reorient to the time frame.

Overall this was an inspiring story of second chances…for everyone!

Loved this story, everyone deserves second and sometimes third chances in love and in life. Meli sure did give those out in this story. A whirlwind marriage after walking away from not the one, and a business decision that shakes her whole world the one she has only known due to her parents failing her again, she learns to love not once, not twice but three times to her parents and the heir to her families business rival in a round about way. This isn't an enemies to lovers by any means, and your heart strings will be pulled.

Falling for You Again is a compelling contemporary romance by Kerry Lonsdale. It's equal parts second-chance romance and women's fiction about family dynamics. It's the first book I've read by the author, but I would read her work again!

Summary: Meli is a twenty-something woodworker whose family business is making furniture in Boston. She realizes at the last minute that she shouldn't marry her fiancé, and runs away from her wedding. During her flight out of Boston, she meets Aaron and the the two instantly hit it off. They decide to get married for just a day on a whim, just for fun. Fast forward five years, and the two are brought together again when they are working for competing furniture businesses. Both businesses have drama ensuing, so Aaron and Meli realize marrying each other again could prove mutually beneficial. Will their marriage of convenience end up being the vehicle for truly falling in love? Or will it be the means to more familial disappointment?

Impressions: Fans of the insta-love, marriage of convenience, and found family tropes will love this book. The pacing of this book was great, and it didn't feel too long or short. I loved the healthy relationship demonstrated between Aaron and Meli, even though both of them came from dysfunctional families. The writing style reminded me of Annabel Monaghan or Rececca Serle. The Boston setting included lots of fun facts and locations within the city that made me want to visit there again. I enjoyed the way the author added flashback scenes scattered throughout the book. It kept me interested and they all felt perfectly placed to reveal different things from the past. The titles on each chapter were also a fun touch. I didn't love the plot twist that occurred about 70% in the book, and the family drama got a little heavy for me in the last 1/4th of the book. That being said, I think both Aaron and Meli's families need therapy. Overall it was a good read that I'd recommend to fans of this genre!

Content Considerations: Infrequent use of strong language (includes multiple instances of f-- word), minor side couple that are lesbians and share a kiss, one mild and mostly vague open door scene and one fade to black scene, dysfunctional family dynamics, and some heavier issues that would be spoilers if listed here.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Falling For You Again by Kerry Lonsdale was an adorable book! It was sweet and loving without being too sappy. I adored Meli & Aaron as a couple and was their biggest fan. I just was hoping they could get their act together.

Meli is a runaway bride. Literally. She was in her wedding dress about to walk down the aisle when she ran away. Hoped on a plane to Vegas. This is where she meets Aaron a complete stranger but the two have an instant connection. I loved their how they met story… the two spend 24 hours together in Vegas and end up married and spend Meli’s honeymoon in Maui together. They agree to a divorce and they never see each other again. 5 years later the two run into each other and the connection is still there.

Meli has hard life. With drug addicted parents who seem to ignore her as an adult she has her own set of issues. And that causes a lot of tension between her and her relationships, specifically with Aaron. Aaron is just perfect. He has his own story but he gives his all to Meli and I love him for it.

This was my first novel by Kerry Lonsdale and certainly won’t be my last. I loved that all the characters had depth to them and the story wasn’t simply about a romance. It was Meli feeling worthy of love not just by Aaron but her parents too. I also loved that Meli made furniture with her own hands out of wood. You don’t typically see woman in that career. It was refreshing having a female lead in such a role. She was guarded and strong but also weak in many ways.

This is a great adult romance read. It’s not heavy on spice at all but I loved the mature characters and enjoyed it wasn’t cheesy romance either.

I give Falling For You Again by Kerry Lonsdale 4 stars.

Kerry Lonsdale, the Author of “Falling for You Again” has written a charming, delightful, pleasurable and engaging novel. The Genres for this story are: Family Life Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic-Comedy, Women’s Domestic Fiction. I loved everything about this well-written story, and highly recommend this. Kerry Lonsdale vividly describes the scenery and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters are complex, complicated, quirky, flawed, toxic, and some are so likable. I couldn’t put down this feel-good book, and wanted more.

The female protagonist, Meli Hynes designs and builds artisan furniture, and hopes to inherit her Uncle’s wood-crafting shop. Her Uncle has been her legal guardian, and has imparted words of wisdom that is it better to concentrate on one’s career, rather than marriage. After Melli realizes her mistake in almost getting married, she becomes a runaway bride and heads for Las Vegas, wearing her wedding dress. There she meets a young man Aaron, and the two it it off. For the fun of it, they both agree on a 24 hour marriage,*that lasts a few days longer) and then they will get it annulled.

In present time, Meli’s Uncle decides to sell the company to a big competitor. This breaks Meli’s heart, and she seeks out the competitor’s son, who happens to be Aaron. Both Meli and Aaron have complicated family dynamics. When the two meet again, they have an adorable rapport and amazing chemistry. How can this save Meli’s dream?

The author discusses the importance of forgiveness, second chances, family, friends, trust, honesty, communication, respect, love and hope. I promise you will love this memorable and heart-felt novel.

What an incredible book! I knew I'd love it from the moment Kerry described the cat's feet as "toebeans" in chapter 1.
The characters in this book were 10/10. I genuinely feel like I've had to say goodbye to a friend now I've finished it; I have a Meli shaped hole in my life that I was not ready for!
This was such a refreshing take on the marriage for convenience trope and I love that we also saw family relationships develop as well as the main character's romantic relationship.
Definitely going to read the rest of Kerry's books now, and Falling for You Again will be hard to beat!

this book is pretty short at 270+ pages, but it absolutely packs an emotional punch. i found myself laughing and tearing up and was pleasantly surprised by the whole read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this novel. I found myself laughing, and crying along with Meli (Melissa, but no one calls her that), and Aaron. I would love to hear more about them in future books.

Kerry Lonsdale delivers an emotional, heartfelt, and swoon-worthy second-chance romance in The Second Time Around. This novel is more than just a love story—it’s about family legacies, self-discovery, and the courage to let love in, even when it feels impossible.

Meli Hynes has always believed that her true love story is with her craft. As a furniture artisan, her life revolves around the woodworking business she’s always been promised. But when her uncle decides to sell the company to a competitor, Meli’s future is ripped out from under her. Desperate to stop the deal, she hatches a plan that involves a marriage of convenience—except the groom is none other than her ex-husband, Aaron.

Aaron is everything Meli isn’t. He’s practical, steady, and just happens to be the son of the very company threatening to take her family’s legacy. Their first marriage was a whirlwind—a Vegas wedding gone too soon—but the feelings they once shared never really disappeared. As they navigate their fake marriage, old wounds resurface, new feelings deepen, and suddenly, their “business arrangement” doesn’t feel so simple anymore.

Lonsdale has crafted a beautifully layered romance, filled with humor, sizzling chemistry, and a deep emotional core. Meli’s stubbornness and fierce independence contrast perfectly with Aaron’s unwavering patience and quiet devotion. Their banter, their tension, and their undeniable pull toward each other made every page a delight.

Beyond the romance, this book is a love letter to craftsmanship, family, and the unexpected ways life forces us to grow. The family drama, the emotional weight of past wounds, and the journey toward forgiveness are just as compelling as the romance itself. And let’s not forget the friendships—Meli and Emi’s bond was one of my favorite parts of the story, adding warmth and humor in all the right places.

This book made me laugh, made me cry, and most importantly, made me believe in love again. If you’re a fan of second-chance romances with deep emotional stakes, lovable characters, and just the right amount of tension, The Second Time Around is a must-read.

3.75 ⭐️

considering this book is only 271 pages, i wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as i did! this is so much more than a romance; there’s complex family dynamics, addiction, forgiveness and healing.

i went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this and i was rooting for Meli and Aaron the whole way. they had me kicking my feet and giggling!!!! 🥰🥰

it could have been a 5 ⭐️ read, but it felt slightly off due to a lot of people being “in” on the fact that Meli and Aaron were in a marriage of convenience? i’ve never come across that before. i also wished we could have seen more of Meli and Aaron together, the romance is definitely a sub-plot to all the other stuff going on rather than the romance being the main focus.

thank you to the publisher, the author & NetGalley, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

loved this romance about a 2nd chance at a love. They ended up getting married on a whim and got divorced and they decide to get married to save her business. loved that they tried the romance the 2nd time and found balance.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a roller coaster and not your typical marriage of convenience and second-chance romance story. I loved Meli’s determination and Aaron’s sweetness. Emi was a great friend too. The transitions in the story between past and present events were generally well done.
I was confused within the first few chapters about which sequences were in the past and which ones were in the present as there was no clear definition. I did think the story was a cute concept and I enjoyed the banter between Meli and Aaron!

Meli, an independent woodworker, has to fake-marry Aaron to stop her uncle from selling her family shop. But SURPRISE (not really), fake feelings start looking a little too real, and suddenly, we’ve got tension, stolen glances, and the kind of chemistry that could burn down a house.


The chemistry between Meli and Aaron was ON FIRE. 🔥 I was literally blushing and laughing at the same time whenever they were in the same room. You know those couples that make you feel all soft and gooey inside? Yup, that was them. If opposites attract, then these two were practically magnets! It was clear as day that they were meant for each other. I loved every second of their back-and-forth banter, the way they light up when they see each other...

Now, I do have to mention that things moved rather quickly. A little too quickly for my taste. One minute, they’re meeting each other, and the next... well, let’s just say their relationship takes a leap into full-on marital bliss a little too soon for comfort. I’m all for insta-love in the right context, but this felt like I blinked, and suddenly we’re heading down the aisle. It was a bit of a whirlwind that I wasn’t quite prepared for.

As for the storytelling structure, while I do enjoy a good nonlinear timeline, I found myself a bit lost at times. There were a few instances when I had to double-check whether I was in the present or the past, and honestly, it threw me off. Now, I’m going to step onto my soapbox here for a moment—there were a couple of points in the book where, if the characters had just sat down and had a conversation, a lot of unnecessary drama could have been avoided.

But let's get back to the good stuff—if I were to judge this book solely on the romance, I would give it two thumbs up without hesitation. The connection between Meli and Aaron was undeniably beautiful, and it genuinely had me smiling like a fool the entire time. Their chemistry was palpable, and I found myself completely rooting for them from start to finish. 🥰

And let's not forget the cover and title—they were absolutely perfect. Honestly, I was sold on this book before I even opened the first page, and the cover certainly did not disappoint. It perfectly captured the essence of the story and set the stage for everything that followed.

3.5 ⭐️

This book was a roller coaster and not your typical marriage of convenience and second-chance romance story. Meli and Aaron's romance is at the heart of the narrative, but is interspersed with plot lines detailing complex family dynamics, addiction, self-doubt, familial and professional expectations, and found family.

The plot was at times a bit silly, it felt a little convoluted at times in the layers of family and corporate drama. I felt whiplash too with some of the decisions characters were making, and the 'why' of it all was not always clear or logical. At its core though, there was still a lot of heart and humour in this story, which helped to bring it all together in the end in a way that I felt was satisfying. The way that struggles with addiction, working through recovery and lingering feelings of guilt and shame were portrayed I thought were well executed.

I did wish we spent a little more time with Meli and Aaron together, I liked their dynamic and hoped for more. If you are looking for a pure rom-com or romance novel, this is probably not the right pick. If you are looking for a novel though with a romance at its core but more complex themes and interpersonal familial dynamics, you might like this one.

I don’t think I’ve ready any book by this author before. But this won’t be the first or last either. Loved it from the beginning to the end.