LaQuette delivers a charming second-chance romance in Second Time Around that transforms familiar small-town tropes into something genuinely heartwarming. This is contemporary romance that understands the particular nostalgia of returning home while acknowledging how both people and places evolve in unexpected ways. The novel succeeds by grounding its premise in authentic emotion rather than relying solely on situational comedy.

The premise operates on the appealing notion that high school perceptions often mask deeper truths. LaQuette explores how teenage insecurities can create lasting blind spots, making characters miss connections that seem obvious in retrospect. This psychological foundation gives weight to what could have been a purely nostalgic setup, creating genuine stakes for characters who must confront not just their past selves but their assumptions about others’ motivations.

The representation deserves particular recognition for its authentic approach to body positivity. Rather than treating physical diversity as issue to be overcome or celebrated performatively, LaQuette integrates different body types naturally into her romantic landscape. This creates inclusive storytelling that feels organic rather than agenda-driven, allowing characters to exist fully within their own skin without constant commentary on their appearance.

The friendship dynamics add considerable warmth to the narrative, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the central romance. LaQuette understands that the best small-town stories depend on ensemble relationships that feel lived-in and genuine. These supporting characters provide both conflict and comfort in ways that mirror real social networks, making the setting feel authentic rather than idealized.

Where the novel occasionally stumbles is in its repetitive storytelling patterns. Certain emotional beats and physical descriptions receive more attention than necessary, creating pacing issues that slow momentum at crucial moments. The author’s enthusiasm for her characters sometimes leads to over-explanation of details that readers have already absorbed, particularly regarding character appearances and internal monologues that cover familiar ground.

The professional athlete angle adds interesting dimension without overwhelming the personal story. LaQuette uses the sports background to explore themes of public versus private identity and the challenge of returning to places where people remember you differently than you remember yourself. The celebrity element creates realistic obstacles without becoming the primary source of conflict.

The miscommunication plot device, while well-executed, occasionally strains credibility when characters continue missing obvious signals despite being portrayed as generally perceptive adults. However, LaQuette grounds these moments in recognizable emotional patterns—the way past hurt can make people defensive even when current evidence suggests different interpretations.

The romantic development unfolds with satisfying patience, allowing attraction to build through shared experiences and genuine compatibility rather than instant chemistry alone. The author understands that the most compelling romantic tension comes from characters who challenge each other intellectually and emotionally, not just physically.

The small-town atmosphere works effectively without becoming saccharine. LaQuette captures both the comfort and claustrophobia of places where everyone knows everyone, creating authentic setting that enhances rather than overwhelms character development.

For readers who like:
-Small-town romance
-Former athlete heroes
-Second-chance love stories

Final Verdict
Second Time Around succeeds as warm, inclusive contemporary romance that transforms familiar elements into something genuinely engaging. While occasionally slowed by repetitive storytelling choices, LaQuette’s commitment to authentic representation and genuine character development creates a reading experience that’s both satisfying and meaningful. This is comfort reading that doesn’t sacrifice substance for sweetness.

Grateful to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and LaQuette for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting on this book forever since Vanessa Jared and it did not disappoint. LaQuette makes it so easy for us to root for the heroine. I devoured this in 24 hrs of getting the book. cant wait for the audio as well

What a beautiful story of second chances and hope after pain and loss. Stunning, and well-written. I love this!

title: Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

author: LaQuette

publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

publication date: January 6, 2026

pages: 336

peppers: 2 (on this scale, in the first 100 pages) 

warnings: none in the first 100 pages.

summary: Janae and Adam had a crushes on each other when they were in high school, but neither ever said anything. Now, he's back in town, and they're both recently divorced and single. She's afraid of getting hurt if she lets herself fall in love again.

tropes:

high school reunion
he's back in town
pushy parents
she was his tutor
former NBA player
speaking about someone who's standing right behind you

what I liked:

good friendships
plus-sized representation

what I didn’t like:

too much repetition, both in their thinking and in telling their friends about scenes we've already read
too much talking about the male main character's hair. The female main character mentions it almost every time she sees him.
male main character is not believable in his claims.

overall rating: 1 (of 5 stars) In fact, I could not finish this book. Sorry.

As always, you can click on the photo above if you want to buy the book.

This book was so cute and fun. I didn't realize that it was part of a series but that didn't matter as the story was its own. Janae's high school crush who didn't know she existed come back to their little town. It seems that he knew she existed but for some reason didn't think she liked him. It was all one big miscommunication apparently. I love how it's kind of enemies to lovers but in a cute way. Definitely would recommend.