kelsenova's review
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
dogoodwithbooks's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sora Reid has had enough with love. Having had strings of bad relationship to another, Sora decides to kick off a month-long #GoSolo journey in February and highlight those experiences at her freelancing gig. Sure, running into old childhood friend, Jack Mann, might make
The Second You’re Single isn’t necessarily bad. But it’s not great. When I first heard about the book, I thought that it would be a really cool concept. Though, when I got deep into the book, I don’t think Tanamachi really met my expectations.
One of the things I’ve noticed is that a lot of the characters seem to be the “pick me” type. Sure, there were some exceptions (i.e. Stella) and even Sora at times didn’t fall into the “pick me” trope. But there were too many “pick me” characters to the point where they just sounded annoying or desperate. Worst of all of them were Mal, and I really didn’t like her as a character.
Also, most of the dialogue felt either forced and/or over exaggerated. I get with rom-coms that some things have to go a certain way to fit a particular trope. But Tanamachi writes characters saying things that I don’t feel like most people would actually say. Again, I think this goes into characters either sounding annoying or desperate complaints I mentioned earlier.
Though, there were some things that Tanamachi gets right in this book. One, this book is VERY witty/funny. I think because of Sora's blunt and sometimes sarcastic take on things really helps get this to be a decent read. I also think Sora does go through a really good character development and how she ultimately finds herself. Also, no one can tell me that the epilogue was NOT adorable.
Overall, I don’t think The Second You’re Single is a bad read, but I don’t know if I would read it again either. I think that there were less “pick me” characters and somewhat realistic dialogue, I think would have rated this book higher. Though, if you like books with a sarcastic MC trying to somehow find herself, maybe you can get something out of this book.
Sora Reid has had enough with love. Having had strings of bad relationship to another, Sora decides to kick off a month-long #GoSolo journey in February and highlight those experiences at her freelancing gig. Sure, running into old childhood friend, Jack Mann, might make
The Second You’re Single isn’t necessarily bad. But it’s not great. When I first heard about the book, I thought that it would be a really cool concept. Though, when I got deep into the book, I don’t think Tanamachi really met my expectations.
One of the things I’ve noticed is that a lot of the characters seem to be the “pick me” type. Sure, there were some exceptions (i.e. Stella) and even Sora at times didn’t fall into the “pick me” trope. But there were too many “pick me” characters to the point where they just sounded annoying or desperate. Worst of all of them were Mal, and I really didn’t like her as a character.
Also, most of the dialogue felt either forced and/or over exaggerated. I get with rom-coms that some things have to go a certain way to fit a particular trope. But Tanamachi writes characters saying things that I don’t feel like most people would actually say. Again, I think this goes into characters either sounding annoying or desperate complaints I mentioned earlier.
Though, there were some things that Tanamachi gets right in this book. One, this book is VERY witty/funny. I think because of Sora's blunt and sometimes sarcastic take on things really helps get this to be a decent read. I also think Sora does go through a really good character development and how she ultimately finds herself. Also, no one can tell me that the epilogue was NOT adorable.
Overall, I don’t think The Second You’re Single is a bad read, but I don’t know if I would read it again either. I think that there were less “pick me” characters and somewhat realistic dialogue, I think would have rated this book higher. Though, if you like books with a sarcastic MC trying to somehow find herself, maybe you can get something out of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Infidelity
Moderate: Miscarriage and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer and Pandemic/Epidemic
bzm0023's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Read this maybe a month ago and genuinely can’t remember a thing about it. I just remember rolling my eyes at the vibes. Should’ve known by the title tbh.
faerie_reader's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.5
This was a fun read overall but it wasn’t without some things that drove me bonkers.
Sora is single yet again and decides to write a blog series during the month of February called Go Solo…focusing on self-care and swearing off dating for the month. This decision was driven by her hatred for Valentine’s Day and the commercial love machine that the holiday is. Naturally just after starting the month, she runs into an old friend and sparks fly…but she’s supposed to be taking a break from dating.
The storyline was predictable but fun nonetheless. However, as much as I love bacon and frown on making women feel bad for their size - the writer has the MC focus so much on her love of bacon that the word is over used in the book and the MC is so frazzled about being single that she is depicted as gaining a bunch of weight in the 1 month the book covers.
I did like the dialogue about self-care and that it isn’t just pedicures, but includes things like taking the reins of your own life, not finding your worth in other’s opinions, and parenting yourself essentially.
Sora is single yet again and decides to write a blog series during the month of February called Go Solo…focusing on self-care and swearing off dating for the month. This decision was driven by her hatred for Valentine’s Day and the commercial love machine that the holiday is. Naturally just after starting the month, she runs into an old friend and sparks fly…but she’s supposed to be taking a break from dating.
The storyline was predictable but fun nonetheless. However, as much as I love bacon and frown on making women feel bad for their size - the writer has the MC focus so much on her love of bacon that the word is over used in the book and the MC is so frazzled about being single that she is depicted as gaining a bunch of weight in the 1 month the book covers.
I did like the dialogue about self-care and that it isn’t just pedicures, but includes things like taking the reins of your own life, not finding your worth in other’s opinions, and parenting yourself essentially.
thirtysixstalebeans's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
redwingsdiva87's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I listened to this as an audiobook from the library, but I am going to buy a copy of this so I can go back and highlight the important messages included in this book about parenting yourself and self care. This is so good. Highly recommend
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
captainsillypants's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
In The Second You're Single we have a FMC, Sora, who is a writer living in Chicago. After a series of bad relationships, she has basically given up on expecting much out of life and basically coasts through life taking the route that involves the least amount of decision making or change. Which, fair. Fed up with commercialized Valentine's Day, she decides to sit the entire month of February out. But then she randomly runs into Jack who she went to elementary school with before his family moved a few suburbs away. He has glowed up the way Neville Longbottom did so obviously she is conflicted.
I've got to admit that I am a complete sucker for books that are holiday themed, about a writer, and set somewhere I'm familiar with (this was set less than a mile from where I used to live). So, this is already starting off strong but I also just really liked the story.
There was a bit of a slow burn and Sora denying what she wants. There is emotional and mental growth as a person. Mostly, I really like our main characters. They are relatable because of their flaws but also for their growth.
I'm not entirely sure why but I was expecting a bit more spice than was here. This is a closed door romance. As long as you're not sad about that, I'd highly recommend this book.
#gosolo #NetGalley
In The Second You're Single we have a FMC, Sora, who is a writer living in Chicago. After a series of bad relationships, she has basically given up on expecting much out of life and basically coasts through life taking the route that involves the least amount of decision making or change. Which, fair. Fed up with commercialized Valentine's Day, she decides to sit the entire month of February out. But then she randomly runs into Jack who she went to elementary school with before his family moved a few suburbs away. He has glowed up the way Neville Longbottom did so obviously she is conflicted.
I've got to admit that I am a complete sucker for books that are holiday themed, about a writer, and set somewhere I'm familiar with (this was set less than a mile from where I used to live). So, this is already starting off strong but I also just really liked the story.
There was a bit of a slow burn and Sora denying what she wants. There is emotional and mental growth as a person. Mostly, I really like our main characters. They are relatable because of their flaws but also for their growth.
I'm not entirely sure why but I was expecting a bit more spice than was here. This is a closed door romance. As long as you're not sad about that, I'd highly recommend this book.
#gosolo #NetGalley
moonbunni's review
3.0
First, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Are you in the mood for a cute, cheesy and quick to read romance? Yes? Then this is the book for you!
The Second You’re Single is a shorter read. So it reads quick. I usually take a few days to read romance novels and this one I got done in a day. Sadly, it did also feel rushed. Like there could easily be more. Jack and Sora have knew each other in elementary school, now 10ish years later they are reconnecting. I feel like Jack and Sora both were like “Your the same person you were when you were in grade school” as a teacher whose seen many many kids grow up I can say “nope sorry”
But Jack and Sora did have a spark and it was easy to see/feel on the page. Going back to what I said before about it feeling rushed, I would have really liked to see more growth and a longer courtship between the two. It kind of felt like instalove, which isnt the point of reading a romance novel to me.
One thing I didn’t like was that Sora was described as a “heavier” or “plus size” when at a size 14. That is average and healthy. And while I am happy to see a main character that isn’t a size 2,I just wish there as more positivity around that.
Overall, a fast, decent, and easy read.
Are you in the mood for a cute, cheesy and quick to read romance? Yes? Then this is the book for you!
The Second You’re Single is a shorter read. So it reads quick. I usually take a few days to read romance novels and this one I got done in a day. Sadly, it did also feel rushed. Like there could easily be more. Jack and Sora have knew each other in elementary school, now 10ish years later they are reconnecting. I feel like Jack and Sora both were like “Your the same person you were when you were in grade school” as a teacher whose seen many many kids grow up I can say “nope sorry”
But Jack and Sora did have a spark and it was easy to see/feel on the page. Going back to what I said before about it feeling rushed, I would have really liked to see more growth and a longer courtship between the two. It kind of felt like instalove, which isnt the point of reading a romance novel to me.
One thing I didn’t like was that Sora was described as a “heavier” or “plus size” when at a size 14. That is average and healthy. And while I am happy to see a main character that isn’t a size 2,I just wish there as more positivity around that.
Overall, a fast, decent, and easy read.
thathappyreader's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Sora is a freelance writer who is repulsed by the notion of Valentine's Day. Having just come out of a bad marriage, she wants nothing more than to eat bacon and forget about romance for February.
She pitches the idea for a series of posts and her boss is excited. For the entire month, Sora's going to concentrate on caring for herself, eating whatever she wants and avoiding any new relationships with men. She's truly going to #gosolo. She doesn't count on, however, meeting up with her childhood best friend Jack. He's as sweet as ever and is easy on the eyes.
Jack had a crush on Sora from the moment he met her in Elementary School. He learns of her #gosolo challenge and is willing to wait to date her until March 1. But fate comes into play and the two are thrown together well before that day.
The story is somewhat predictable but that was perfectly fine with me. Jack's character is particularly likeable and I enjoyed his quest to make Sora enjoy Valentine's Day. Past romantic relationships are thrown into the story as well as family relationships. There are some funny moments which I enjoyed including Sora trying on a bridesmaid's dress after consuming a large amount of bacon during the month.
This book felt more like a romantic comedy than a true romance. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those readers who enjoy romance or romantic comedies.
Sora is a freelance writer who is repulsed by the notion of Valentine's Day. Having just come out of a bad marriage, she wants nothing more than to eat bacon and forget about romance for February.
She pitches the idea for a series of posts and her boss is excited. For the entire month, Sora's going to concentrate on caring for herself, eating whatever she wants and avoiding any new relationships with men. She's truly going to #gosolo. She doesn't count on, however, meeting up with her childhood best friend Jack. He's as sweet as ever and is easy on the eyes.
Jack had a crush on Sora from the moment he met her in Elementary School. He learns of her #gosolo challenge and is willing to wait to date her until March 1. But fate comes into play and the two are thrown together well before that day.
The story is somewhat predictable but that was perfectly fine with me. Jack's character is particularly likeable and I enjoyed his quest to make Sora enjoy Valentine's Day. Past romantic relationships are thrown into the story as well as family relationships. There are some funny moments which I enjoyed including Sora trying on a bridesmaid's dress after consuming a large amount of bacon during the month.
This book felt more like a romantic comedy than a true romance. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those readers who enjoy romance or romantic comedies.
curiouskatreads's review
I'm eight chapters in and putting the toe tag on this one.
Sora is a writer who's sworn to a solo February without men after she "kinda" decided that continuing to sleep with Dan, a married man with children, isn't cool. It’s a bit like saying, “Hmmm … maybe I SHOULDN’T have lit that house on fire.” Ugh. There's problem number one with this book.
Then there's problem number two: the sometimes forced and repetitive humor. Sora references bacon 65 times in the book - half of those in the first eight chapters alone. Yes, bacon surely is a little gift from heaven, but you can only milk one joke for so long, and this milk has gone sour!
This brings me to problem number three: Food and body size are frequently mentioned and Sora's mom fat-shames and pressures Sora to diet constantly, though she's an average size, then commends Sora's irritating size double 0 sister, Nami. So much for body positivity!
That leads me into problem number four: For a book that seems to be highlighting the idea of women embracing their worth - particularly apart from a man, there's not one single likable female character so far. As yet, I've gotten a buffet of sarcastic, shallow, vapid, pushy, entitled, and whiny females. I can't root for the ladies here when these are my only options!
The potential love interest - pastry chef Jack - seems OK, but it's hard to understand what he finds so appealing about Sora, so ... problem number five ... I'm not invested in waiting for their HEA ending. Run for the hills, Jack, and take those oft-mentioned tasty mini tortes with you!
To seal the deal for me is problem number six: in a major tonal whiplash move, the author brings in a child with leukemia. She's the only character I'd be pulling for, but she feels so out of place in a book that’s built itself around mostly light, sarcastic and sometimes sexual humor thus far.
There is one bright spot for me in all this: Cara Tanamachi can write. I can see her talent in the words and structure, even if this particular story is missing the mark for me. It’s not a bad book - it’s just not the type of story and humor I gravitate towards. Check out other reviews to see if it’s a better fit for you!
DNF - no rating
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press Griffin, NetGalley and author Cara Tanamachi for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due for publication January 31, 2023.
Sora is a writer who's sworn to a solo February without men after she "kinda" decided that continuing to sleep with Dan, a married man with children, isn't cool. It’s a bit like saying, “Hmmm … maybe I SHOULDN’T have lit that house on fire.” Ugh. There's problem number one with this book.
Then there's problem number two: the sometimes forced and repetitive humor. Sora references bacon 65 times in the book - half of those in the first eight chapters alone. Yes, bacon surely is a little gift from heaven, but you can only milk one joke for so long, and this milk has gone sour!
This brings me to problem number three: Food and body size are frequently mentioned and Sora's mom fat-shames and pressures Sora to diet constantly, though she's an average size, then commends Sora's irritating size double 0 sister, Nami. So much for body positivity!
That leads me into problem number four: For a book that seems to be highlighting the idea of women embracing their worth - particularly apart from a man, there's not one single likable female character so far. As yet, I've gotten a buffet of sarcastic, shallow, vapid, pushy, entitled, and whiny females. I can't root for the ladies here when these are my only options!
The potential love interest - pastry chef Jack - seems OK, but it's hard to understand what he finds so appealing about Sora, so ... problem number five ... I'm not invested in waiting for their HEA ending. Run for the hills, Jack, and take those oft-mentioned tasty mini tortes with you!
To seal the deal for me is problem number six: in a major tonal whiplash move, the author brings in a child with leukemia. She's the only character I'd be pulling for, but she feels so out of place in a book that’s built itself around mostly light, sarcastic and sometimes sexual humor thus far.
There is one bright spot for me in all this: Cara Tanamachi can write. I can see her talent in the words and structure, even if this particular story is missing the mark for me. It’s not a bad book - it’s just not the type of story and humor I gravitate towards. Check out other reviews to see if it’s a better fit for you!
DNF - no rating
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press Griffin, NetGalley and author Cara Tanamachi for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due for publication January 31, 2023.