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As a lawyer myself, I’m often drawn to stories that reflect the intensity, complexity, and sharp edges of legal life—and The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker absolutely delivers. But more than that, it’s a deeply human story about timing, growth, and the courage it takes to let someone back in.

Abby and Dax are two people who once collided during law school, only to drift apart before anything real could begin. Years later, a chance encounter in New York reopens old feelings—and old wounds—with unexpected force. Their reunion isn’t just nostalgic; it’s layered, compelling, and emotionally charged.

Abby is fiercely independent, successful, and guarded in all the ways that feel incredibly familiar to anyone who's worked in high-pressure legal environments. Her internal conflict—between protecting her career and protecting her heart—is portrayed with remarkable nuance. Dax, now more grounded and self-aware, is equally engaging. He’s no longer the idealistic student she once knew, but someone who’s learned what it means to fight for what (and who) matters.

The legal setting isn’t just background noise—it’s skillfully woven into the fabric of the story. From boardroom showdowns to power dynamics across the negotiating table, the professional tension mirrors their personal one in a way that’s sharp, believable, and deeply satisfying.

What I appreciated most was the maturity of their journey. There’s no manufactured drama, no over-the-top miscommunication—just two people slowly navigating the space between past and present, hurt and hope. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their emotional honesty that makes the story shine.

The Best Worst Mistake is equal parts witty, romantic, and thoughtful. Lily Parker has written a love story that respects its characters' intelligence and emotional depth—and in doing so, gives us a couple worth believing in. A must-read for anyone who loves second chances, strong women, and stories that blend heart with ambition. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to my fellow book-loving lawyers.

What if the one that got away came back?

This pulled me in along with the Title... The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley after requesting it because the title intrigued me, and Lily Parker was an author I had never read before. I was in the mood for a second-chance romance.

Abby never thought she would see Dax Harper again, but she runs into him in New York City, six years after she fled from him when their law school fling became too intense. The almost relationship she never could forget. Now, Dax is in her town wanting dinner...but Abby wants one night of rekindled heat.

What happens when fate keeps stepping in?

Lilly pulled me into this romance from the first chapter, and it kept up until you learn everything about Abby. She has spent years holding everything about her close to the vest so she would never be hurt again. I couldn't pick a better heroine than Abby; she fought for everything she wanted in life and got it in a world built for men. It was also amazing to read how Dax saw how amazing she was throughout their entire journey, never faulting her even once; he learned what she was hiding.

I gave the book four stars only because I felt that the ending was rushed and would have liked more of them being in a relationship, as well as a little more future in the epilogue. It was a sweet, soft second-chance romance that you could easily sit by a fire and read.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.

Abby is headed to L.A when her Law firm is called in for a huge deal. Abby didn’t expect to sit across the table from her law school fling, Dax. Can the two keep everything all business or will things get heated?

Rating:3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a cute and easy to read second-chance romance. It hit me in a soft spot!

I wish the build up between Abby and Dax was slower. I understand that they knew each other before, but everything happened so quick. It might have been different if I read the first book, but a sequel should also be able to stand on its own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lily Park, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Best Worst Mistake delivers everything you want from a second-chance romance: sharp banter, high heat, and the aching tension of unfinished business. Abby is whip-smart and driven, a woman with everything to prove. Dax is effortlessly charming, a cinnamon roll hero wrapped in a confident, West Coast lawyer package. Together, they’re electric.

Lily Parker writes chemistry like a firestarter, sparking off-page history with every look and line. The workplace setting ups the stakes and keeps the tension deliciously tight, especially when emotions start to blur with ambition. The found-family vibes with supporting characters soften the edges in all the right ways, grounding the story in warmth.

This isn’t just a spicy read—it’s an emotional one. Underneath the heat is vulnerability, growth, and the kind of love story that feels earned. Fans of Emily Henry or Bal Khabra will find themselves swooning and rooting for Abby and Dax long after the final page.

Not realizing this was a sequel, I went back and read the first book before this one and I have to say - neither of the books disappointed me. This was such a quick and easy read and I loved using it as a palette cleanser between some of the heavier books I've been reading. This is absolutely a classic rom com that you can't go wrong with.

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books | Choc Lit for the arc! (:

I didnt know this was a series until I read this book, I went back and read the first one and they both are amazing. I like everything about it.

I finish this book in one day, its a lazy day for me so consider the book as a quick read. I really enjoy this book as an easy and quick read, if you taking any break from big world building genre, this one might be one for you.

This is a second chance romance with a cozy and funny story and workplace drama is like watching a romcom drama where 2 people who rejected their feeling (more to the fmc) and they meet again and dare I say the old flame ignite.

this is a quick read and not a slow burn, if you want more banter and yearning this book not for you.
Thankyou

This friends-to-lovers, second chance romance follows two characters who were a situationship during law school then pulled them in different directions upon graduation. Years later, a workplace disaster brings them back together, and what begins as cautious reconnection soon blossoms into something deeper. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional depth—the quiet moments, shared history, and personal growth—that makes their romance so compelling.

The writing is heartfelt without being overly sentimental, and the pacing allows their relationship to build naturally, respecting the weight of their past. The callbacks to their pasts are used effectively, revealing the foundation of their bond while contrasting who they were with who they’ve become.

I loved that this story was told from both Abby and Dax’s POV. Abby’s vulnerability when she shows parts of herself to Dax really makes the reader appreciate and understand her appreciation to building connections with others. I really felt for Dax throughout the story too when it comes to managing work life and personal liked balances.

⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 3.5/5

I haven't read anything from this author before but this was a surprise. I do enjoy a second chance romance and this one was quite spicy. Such a fun read.

The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker is a messy, charming, slow-burn romance that had me smiling, sighing, and occasionally yelling at the characters (in the best way). The chemistry was undeniable, and the banter? Top-tier. It’s the kind of story that embraces the chaos of love and doesn’t shy away from complicated emotions. There were a few pacing issues, and some parts felt a bit repetitive, but overall, it was an engaging, feel-good read with just enough angst to keep things interesting. If you love second chances, emotional growth, and a little drama with your romance, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this!

I read the first book in this series before this and so didn’t actually have high hopes for this one, however I absolutely loved Abby and Dax. Their character development was brilliant and their chemistry was 🔥
I felt we learnt a lot more about the characters in this book and that just made me like them more. Would definitely recommend

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t really have a lot to say, but in a good way.

There’s something magical about finding a GOOD, second chance, fluffy, cozy romance.

I resonate with Abby, who due to past circumstances, has trouble with letting people into her heart.

Books are an escape for me, but these types of books, that have conflicting emotions, makes me connect to them more, because it humanizes the story and its characters, and makes it way more real and it hits harder.

That being said, it’s (again) an adorable, fluffy but spicy book, and I really enjoyed it.

2.5 rounded to 3
This book was lacking something, but I’m not sure what. It was boring at first. Plus I absolutely did not like the idea that even though Abby ghosted Dax 6 years ago, when he sees her again he acts like that never even happened and as if he didn’t harbor any distrust of her. Ok, right. The vibe between them felt as if they had a mutual separation and then fate brought them back together, yet we were frequently reminded how she ghosted him TWICE.

I really enjoyed this one! I felt like I could resonate with Abbey being someone who knows she deserves love but pushes it away because she knows it's too much of a risk to let someone in if they're not going to commit 100%. I love that Dax recognised the value of Abbey so much that he travelled just to spend more time. Silas, I feel like i need this wingman in my life. This guy is a legend and my goodness did he make me laugh.
I loved the romantic moments and especially the spicy ones. I would defintely recommend this book to those who love a good romance story.
Thank you netgally for my advanced readers copy.

Absolutely! Here's a more personal and narrator-inclusive review for The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker:


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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – A Mistake Worth Making (Again and Again!)

I went into The Best Worst Mistake thinking it would be a light, fun escape—and it absolutely delivered on that front—but what surprised me was the emotional depth and slow-burn tension that kept me hooked until the very end.

The characters are flawed in all the best ways. You can’t help but root for them, even when they’re making questionable decisions. There’s wit, vulnerability, and just the right amount of spice. It struck that perfect balance between heartfelt and sexy without ever feeling forced.

Dax and Abby had a law school fling that finished when Abby ghosted him when law school was over.

Abby has committed her life to her work, and she barely leaves her office.

Waiting for coffee in a Manhattan coffee shop, Abby bumps into Dax, they’ve not seen each other for years.

Abby ghosts Dax again, not expecting to ever see him again … but fate has other plans for these two.

I loved this romance story it was fun and entertaining. You could cut the sexual tension in the room with a knife whenever Dax and Abby were together!

The author manages to get the chemistry between the two just right.

I loved how the chapters alternated between Dax and Abby we also got some of their history to help explain more.

These two were so obviously meant to be, they were the only ones who couldn’t see it!

The story made me smile throughout, it was an easy and light read.

Abby keeps bumping into her college situationship, Dax Harper six years after she ran out on him after graduation and now they are rivals in a corporate merger but he’s looking for a second chance… she’s needing one.

Abby is the avoidant QUEEN but I did not see it coming where her story was headed. Her backstory is absolutely heartbreaking and like, I get it. Her transformation is absolutely everything and I loved it. The fact that Dax was willing to see her through it and be patient? King behavior. I laughed, and cried, and I’m completely invested in this group of found family as the rest of the series unfolds. Thank you Lily, and Choc Lit publishing for the advanced review copy so I could provide my opinion for you!

Instagram post will be added on or around June 29

Second chance Romance!

Abby has been successfully keeping men at bay, especially Dax whom she had a friends with benefits, but more benefits than friends relationship with. But when she meets Dax again, she has to confront her past and let him in.

This is a very easy and entertaining read, but I would have liked a bit more build up, chemistry and tension. All in all it is an ideal beach and summer read for people who like second chance and little drama.

It’s the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and Lily Parker for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Chose this because my boyfriend is going to law school and I needed a fun lawyer romance and I was so obsessed with it!!

Once upon a time, Abby ghosted Dax. Six years later, when she runs into him in New York, she takes the opportunity for one more night together with no intentions of anything more - however, fate or coincidence has other ideas…
This is fun, fast-paced and full of flirty banter, but with underlying serious themes. I liked how Abby’s history is gradually and heart-wrenchingly teased out, and Dax’s quiet determination to break down her walls. I would have liked to see more of the ‘work rivals’ part, because that seemed to be mostly told rather than shown, but nevertheless there’s enough character depth and emotional development to make this a satisfying read.