nixbix_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a fun read - who doesn’t love seeing a narcissist being taken down a peg or two! It takes a special kind of someone to think that you are so beloved that your exes want to date you again, especially after you treated them like rubbish. Jordy encapsulates this kind of person so well, and I loved seeing what Maya had planned for him. The drama of the reality show made me laugh a lot & be thankful that I never want to go on one of these shows.
Maya & Skye start out as enemies, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Both have their own issues & I enjoyed seeing them work together, both on their palm for the show & for their lives outside of the show. Seeing them fall for each other just put a big smile on my face. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen on the show and what kind of drama was going to be made. This was a fun, flirty & entertaining read.
Maya & Skye start out as enemies, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Both have their own issues & I enjoyed seeing them work together, both on their palm for the show & for their lives outside of the show. Seeing them fall for each other just put a big smile on my face. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen on the show and what kind of drama was going to be made. This was a fun, flirty & entertaining read.
steff_braz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
oxfordcommas991's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really sweet and light book for fans of romance reality tv! It follows the story of a group of women who are all getting the “second chance” to date the same man: their mutual ex-boyfriend. But love was hiding somewhere else for two of the women.
I really loved this light, fluffy take on bisexual love stories. This book accepts them for who they are, without the angst and pain, rejection and sorrow, that are too frequently injected into so many LGBTQ+ love stories. It allows them to explore a relationship in the same way that straight couples are entitled to every day. It was easy to read and follow, and would be a great poolside or beach read!
The only downside was that sometimes the pacing was slightly off, and the two narratives felt a bit too much like I was just reading one character. I wish that there had been a bit more of a different tone, vocabulary, or perspective between the two narrators of the book, because occasionally I’d stop and need to remind myself who was speaking.
Would recommend to anyone who loves tv shows like the bachelor, and who always wondered “but why can’t the women kiss?” Aloud at the tv (just me? It can’t just be me…)
I really loved this light, fluffy take on bisexual love stories. This book accepts them for who they are, without the angst and pain, rejection and sorrow, that are too frequently injected into so many LGBTQ+ love stories. It allows them to explore a relationship in the same way that straight couples are entitled to every day. It was easy to read and follow, and would be a great poolside or beach read!
The only downside was that sometimes the pacing was slightly off, and the two narratives felt a bit too much like I was just reading one character. I wish that there had been a bit more of a different tone, vocabulary, or perspective between the two narrators of the book, because occasionally I’d stop and need to remind myself who was speaking.
Would recommend to anyone who loves tv shows like the bachelor, and who always wondered “but why can’t the women kiss?” Aloud at the tv (just me? It can’t just be me…)
bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
To say I wanted to sock Maya in the jaw is an understatement. That girl got on my last nerve! She is so singularly obsessed with this boy that her entire life is molded to exact revenge. Add in the foolishness and drama produced by royalty adjacent Jordy (gag) and the second chance romance reality show, and I almost DNF'd this book at the 20% mark. I have some qualms with the premise, having 18 year old get a "prize" of spending the night with the "bachelor". Granted, he is also 18, and you can call me a prude, but it just doesn't seem right. (Steps off soapbox.) I loved Skye and I wish there was more of her. While the story is told from her perspective too, it feels primarily like Maya's story. Some parts of the story were a bit disjointed, and others were so cheesy I literally rolled my eyes. But I got my HEA and Jordy got what Jordy got, so I'd try another of Sophie's books in the future.
dmg95's review against another edition
5.0
This book was one of those I couldn’t put down until I finished! It was so good from beginning to end, with fun twists, a great plot, and a wonderful group of girls getting to enjoy a mansion because they had all dated the same guy. Like it’s mentioned more than once in the book itself, if you think of it like a giant 2month long sleepover with food and wonderful sites and activities, who wouldn’t be up for it? Obviously it’s all for reality tv, but the behind-the-scenes look into what “reality tv” is actually like is pretty fun. And the show is called Second Chance Romance, so there’s going to be a romantic aspect to it too… just maybe not how you think. I can genuinely say I really enjoyed reading this book and almost all of the characters involved in this story… and I say almost all cause clearly there’s one that we all know who we shouldn’t like (and I 100% think he’s written in such a way that is impossible to find a redeeming characteristic which is great). Anyways, I can’t wait for this book to be out and for everyone to enjoy it.
elyssam's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is low key boring. The romance came out of no where and most of the characters were annoying. Fun to pass the time but not necessarily re-readable. This is hopefully the last SMP book I’ll review going forward.
kerasalwaysreading's review against another edition
5.0
This may be my favorite Sophie Gonzales book yet!! I seriously D.E.V.O.U.R.E.D. this book in a matter of hours.
I don’t like much reality tv and you will NEVER catch me watching shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette… but this book made that whole thing so much fun to read.
Jordy Miller’s sister married into royalty so he is royal adjacent. He is all over the news all the time, dazzling, everyone with his kindness, his charity work, and his great big heart… but Maya knows the truth. He is a dirty filthy cheater.
When she is invited onto the brand-new reality TV show, SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE as a contestant along with five other exes of Jordy’s all vying for the chance to rekindle the flame they once had with him, she takes this is her chance at revenge.
Skye, though, had a different experience dating Jordy. He could have been the one. He was sweet and caring to her and she would love the chance to see if they could make things work again.
Immediately these two girls are pitted against each other. Maya furious that she has to cavort with the girl Jordy cheated on her with, and Skye has been warned that Maya is just a jealous ex who can’t let go of the past. The last thing that either of them expected, was for the attraction to begin to burn between the two of them.
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the revenge plot. I loved the dynamic between all of the girls. I loved the blossoming romance between Maya and Skye. From beginning to end, this was just a fun filled roller coaster ride of excitement. I didn’t know what to expect at times. I found myself rooting for the characters. This was just so good.
I don’t like much reality tv and you will NEVER catch me watching shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette… but this book made that whole thing so much fun to read.
Jordy Miller’s sister married into royalty so he is royal adjacent. He is all over the news all the time, dazzling, everyone with his kindness, his charity work, and his great big heart… but Maya knows the truth. He is a dirty filthy cheater.
When she is invited onto the brand-new reality TV show, SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE as a contestant along with five other exes of Jordy’s all vying for the chance to rekindle the flame they once had with him, she takes this is her chance at revenge.
Skye, though, had a different experience dating Jordy. He could have been the one. He was sweet and caring to her and she would love the chance to see if they could make things work again.
Immediately these two girls are pitted against each other. Maya furious that she has to cavort with the girl Jordy cheated on her with, and Skye has been warned that Maya is just a jealous ex who can’t let go of the past. The last thing that either of them expected, was for the attraction to begin to burn between the two of them.
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the revenge plot. I loved the dynamic between all of the girls. I loved the blossoming romance between Maya and Skye. From beginning to end, this was just a fun filled roller coaster ride of excitement. I didn’t know what to expect at times. I found myself rooting for the characters. This was just so good.
bubbly_lara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
All the 🌟 I've yet to come across a Sophie Gonzales book I did not like. This was everything - the revenge plot, the reality TV show setting, the friendships, the banter, the vibes, Maya and Skye. If you like Netflix' "Do Revenge" and wished for a romantic storyline between Drea and Eleanor, this is the book for you.
Also, highly recommend if you're into "The Bachelor"-type reality shows.
How much do you want readers to roll their eyes at Jordy Miller?
Sophie Gonzales: Yes.
What a terrible person. I think this might appeal to many many people, since, like Isaac, "we all knew a Jordy Miller once".
Go read the book if you're up for reality TV shenanigans, revenge plots to bring down an ex-boyfriend, and secret romances.
Now, when can we get a queen Love Island, please?
Also, highly recommend if you're into "The Bachelor"-type reality shows.
How much do you want readers to roll their eyes at Jordy Miller?
Sophie Gonzales: Yes.
What a terrible person. I think this might appeal to many many people, since, like Isaac, "we all knew a Jordy Miller once".
Go read the book if you're up for reality TV shenanigans, revenge plots to bring down an ex-boyfriend, and secret romances.
Now, when can we get a queen Love Island, please?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
crackingspines37's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
captaincocanutty's review against another edition
3.5
Fun little read.
Enemies to lovers bit had a reasonable set up, if the lovers part was a bit rushed. The author changed it up enough to keep me on my toes, but also some bits/tropes were as expected.
Enemies to lovers bit had a reasonable set up, if the lovers part was a bit rushed. The author changed it up enough to keep me on my toes, but also some bits/tropes were as expected.